Lander University

Women's Tennis 4/23/2026 11:18:00 AM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Zarza, Altmaier Earn All-Peach Belt Honors; Altmaier Named Elite 18 Recipient

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Peach Belt Conference announced its 2026 women's tennis all-conference postseason awards, with Lander's Maria Jose Zarza and Evelyn Altmaier earning Second Team All-PBC honors in both singles and doubles.

Zarza and Altmaier were recognized as one of the league's top doubles tandems, while each also secured Second Team All-PBC honors in singles play following standout individual seasons.

Altmaier added another major accolade, earning the Elite 18 Award, presented at each of the PBC's 18 championships, to the student-athlete competing with the highest cumulative GPA.

Zarza, a junior from Asunción, Paraguay, compiled a 13-4 overall singles record, including a 10-4 mark at the No. 1 position, where she consistently faced opponents' top players. She added a perfect 3-0 record at No. 2 singles and secured a ranked win over No. 71 Kaitlin Nguyen of Belmont Abbey in straight sets. Zarza also earned three Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week honors during the season and picked up a win over No. 42 Middle Georgia.

Altmaier, a senior from Kempen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, posted a 10-5 overall singles record, primarily competing at the No. 2 position, where she went 8-4. She also contributed a 2-1 mark at No. 1 singles, showcasing versatility throughout the lineup. Altmaier delivered in key moments all season, highlighted by multiple three-set victories and a comeback win after dropping the opening set against Coker. She also turned in dominant performances, including a 6-0, 6-0 win at Converse, and picked up a straight-set victory over No. 42 Middle Georgia.

In doubles play, Altmaier and Zarza teamed up midway through the season and quickly established themselves at the top of the lineup. The duo went 6-3 at No. 1 doubles, including a 6-1 win over No. 15 Flagler. The pair won six of their final seven completed matches, providing a reliable point against top competition down the stretch.

Lander opens play at the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Friday, April 24, facing No. 3 seed and reigning PBC Tournament champion North Georgia in the quarterfinals. First serve is set for noon in Columbus, Ga.

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Players Mentioned

Evelyn Altmaier: Senior

Maria Jose Zarza: 5' 2"; Junior

Players Mentioned

Evelyn Altmaier
: Senior

Maria Jose Zarza
: 5' 2"; Junior