Winona, Minn. - Playing at home in the Winona Tennis Center has historically led to success for the Winona State women's tennis team - and even with a new face at the helm - the result was familiar on Friday, Feb. 12.
Winona State defeated the University of Sioux Falls, 5-2 with first-year head coach
Tom Sanvik collecting his first Warrior win since taking over the program in August. WSU is now 22-4 over the past four years when competing on home court and their season-opening victory over Sioux Falls starts the 2021 campaign in fine form for the Warriors.
In doubles action, Winona State was able to claim wins in the No. 2 and No. 3 slots. Winona State's
Rachel Kelly and
Rina Niehoff defeated USF's pairing of Joelle Thorfinnson and Daniell Thorfinnson, 6-4, while the Warrior duo of
Sara Anderson and
Faith Young beat the Cougar combination of Lexi Miller and Victoria Ambrosio-Cueto, 6-1.
In singles, Winona State won at No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 slots, led by NSIC Player to Watch
Beth Murman who beat Megan Quandt, 6-1, 6-1 at the top tier. In one of the best matches of the evening, WSU's
Rachel Kelly defeated Talia Jans, 6-4, 7-5 (7-3), and
Rina Niehoff downed Lexi Miller, 3-6, 7-5, 10-3. Like Sanvik, freshman
Sara Anderson had a delightful debut as a Warrior, winning 6-4, 6-3 to round out the evening for Winona State.
With the win, Winona State starts the season at 1-0 overall and in the NSIC, while the University of Sioux Falls is 0-2 overall, 0-1 in NSIC action.
The Warriors will turn around and face NSIC perennial favorite Augustana University tomorrow, with doubles action starting at 2pm at the Winona Tennis Center.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
Media Contact: Pete Watkins, Director of Athletic Communications | Ph: 507.457.5577 | Email: pwatkins@winona.edu
