Contact: Alex Mielcarz, Athletics Communication Graduate Assistant, ajmielcarz@noctrl.edu
College Sports Communicators Release
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (May 12, 2026) – The 2025-26 Academic All-District NCAA Division III Women's Tennis team was announced Tuesday by College Sports Communicators (CSC). Two North Central women's tennis student-athletes made the cut, as Kate Herlihy and Abigail Penados were both tabbed for their performance on the court and in the classroom this past academic year.
Penados advanced for consideration to the Academic All-America team, which is voted on by CSC members. Those selected to the first, second and third teams will be announced on June 2.
Penados posted a 21-5 record this season in singles play, going 19-4 from the number one spot in duals. Penados also logged a perfect 8-0 record in conference play. In doubles, she went 18-7, going 17-6 in the number one spot while going 7-1 in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play. Penados, who graduated this semester, studied exercise science and was selected to the 2025 Academic All-CCIW team this fall.
Herlihy went 16-9 in singles play this year, also posting a perfect 8-0 singles record in CCIW contests. She did so primarily playing in the number four spot of the Cardinal lineup, logging a 15-7 record when slated there. In doubles, Herlihy finished just below .500 at 11-13, but posted a 5-3 record in the conference schedule. Ezerskis majored in applied mathematics while at North Central. She joined Penados as an Academic All-CCIW selection this fall.
The team finished with a 14-9 overall record, sweeping the CCIW regular season to take the crown. The Cardinals fell in the tournament championship, however, losing to Wheaton College.
