BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The Winona State University women’s tennis team was selected to finish fifth in the 2024 NSIC Preseason Women’s Tennis Coaches’ Poll, as announced by the league today. The Warriors earned 41 points, four points ahead of St. Cloud State and 15 points behind Sioux Falls. In addition, freshman Lainy Ristau was selected as the 2024 Preseason Player to Watch for the Warriors. 

This weekend, Winona State will host the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in their first match of the spring 2024 season on Sunday, February 4. The match will begin at 3:30pm at the Winona Tennis Center.  WSU will open up NSIC play on Friday, February 9, hosting St. Cloud State at 6 p.m.

Lainy Ristau was selected as the Preseason Player to Watch for Winona State after earning All-State Honorable Mention while also being a four-time State Tournament Participant at Indian Trail High School. Ristau looks to make an immediate impact for the Warriors as they look to start their season on Sunday, February 4 at 3:30pm. 

“Lainy was a five-time singles participant in the Wisconsin state tournament and is one of our top freshman on our team.” stated Winona State women's tennis coach Tom Sanvik.

Winona State women's tennis coach Tom Sanvik enters the season returning a multitude of players from last season. Sara Anderson returns after a 4-6 conference record last season. Also, returning for the Warriors is Ally Burger who held a 9-7 (5-5 NSIC) record. Winona State also returns Miranda Daulong, Maddie Moe, and Clara Thoemke.  

Head Coach Tom Sanvik added. “The Warriors will have a completely new look after losing long time No. 1 and 2 singles Beth Murman and Rachel Kelly. Sara Anderson will be stepping up to play a top position followed by our five returning players and four first year players and two transfers, Halle Rosentter and Elysia Beynun. This will be a new and exciting team to follow as we will work hard to be competitive in the NSIC."

The Warriors also see a plethora of new faces this season, adding transfers Halle Rosentreter and Elsia Beynon, Rosentreter joins WSU from Gustavus Adolphus College and Beynon from West Liberty University. Freshman looking to add some death on the Winona State University women's tennis team this year include Skylar Gary, Lainy Ristau, and Kate Velander.  

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.