The women’s tennis team of Northwestern recovered from a rough weekend of non-conference play to improve to 2-0 in GPAC play with a win Wednesday night over Morningside. They are now 4-5 on the year.
Wednesday saw the Raiders down Morningside with a solid 6-3 victory. In the top spot, junior Julie Mineart won 6-4, 6-2. Sophomore Kellie Korver also had a convincing win, 6-2, 6-1. Senior Nessa Summers improved to 6-2 on the year with her 6-3, 6-2 win. Freshman Rachel Nysetvold battled to a third set, but fell 6-1, 4-6, 10-4.
In doubles action, Mineart and Korver teamed up for an 8-2 victory. Seniors Laura Starr and Kate Mannenbach also won by the score of 8-2. Summers and Yorchak were clutch as they persevered for a 9-7 win to close out the night.
On the strong GPAC start for the women, Mineart said, “The team has been doing well this year because we are more focused and competitive on the court. We have had winning mindsets.”
The women had a three-match winning streak brought to a halt on April 1 at the hands of Central College, 8-1. The Raiders avoided a shutout by picking up a win in the No. 3 doubles match, where Summers and freshman Missy Yorchak won their match 8-6.
Korver and Nysetvold fought hard in their singles’ matches, yet couldn’t find the extra energy to pull out a win.
Saturday didn’t bode much better for NW, as Simpson College took home a 8-1 victory. Summers came up big for the Raiders yet again in the No. 5 singles sport. Her dominating 6-1, 6-1 victory at got the women on the board, but was the only point put up by NW.
Coach Jeff Guthmiller commented, “Both Central and Simpson have nice programs. They are both strong at the top of their line ups.” Guthmiller also believed the women learned from the tough opponents. “I think we learned that when we are given an opportunity to win the point, we have to win it. Good teams won’t give you extra chances.”
NW will be on the road this weekend.