PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland State women's tennis team has completed its roster for the 2022-23 season with the addition of two transfers and one freshman, head coach Kyle Russell announced on Monday. 

Masha Ponomareva, Nell Arendt and Elizabeth Strongina will join five returners from last season as the Vikings look for their third-straight Big Sky Tournament appearance in 2023. "The incoming players all have unique personalities, but the commonality is their dedication to hard work," Russell said. "Their addition will foster an environment where people make those around them better."

Ponomareva will bring four years of collegiate tennis experience to the Park Blocks. After beginning her career at Kansas State, the Belgorod, Russia, native spent three years at North Texas. A two-time first team all-conference selection at UNT, Ponomareva was named the C-USA newcomer of the year following her first season at UNT. In 2022, she led the Mean Green in wins and ranked 76th in the nation with doubles partner Lucie Devier. 

"Masha has a lot of big match experience and was ranked in the ITA doubles rankings last year," Russell said. "She is very direct and clear on her goals and objectives. She brings professionalism to her craft and gets up for the biggest matches. I think her experiences at this level will be impactful for us right away."

Like Ponomareva, Arendt will also use her fifth year of eligibility with the Vikings. Arendt played four seasons at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she compiled a 38-19 singles record and a 24-16 doubles mark. The London, England native was a four-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and earned Horizon League weekly doubles honors twice during her career.

"Nell had a rough year last year with injuries and COVID," Russell said. "Although disappointing for her, she is incredibly hungry to take full advantage of her opportunity this year. Her four years as a player and captain at UIC will no doubt benefit us. Nell's personality, drive and determination will be hugely valuable to this team, and I know she will hit the ground running."

Strongina, a freshman from Moscow, Russia, rounds out the group of newcomers.

"As the lone freshman in this class, Liza will have a whole team to show her the way," Russell said. "She has all of the tools to develop into a really good college player. She has a strong base and has been coached really well up until this point. She's an extremely hard worker and loves to practice. She'll get better and better every day."

Ponomareva, Arendt and Strongina will make their Viking debuts this fall as the team prepares for the 2023 dual season.