The Winona State University women’s tennis team returned back to their home court this weekend as they split their matches and took on University of Mary and Minnesota State University-Moorhead.

Before taking the courts this weekend, senior Kaisey Skibba talked a little about the team’s season thus far.

“The season so far has been really exciting and energetic,” Skibba said. “Everyone on the team has been dialed in for every match and our results show that.”

The work ethic of the team truly is shown. Overall, they are currently 4-2 in conference.

There is still a lot of the season left for the Warrior tennis team, when talking about how the team can still improve first-year Rachel Kelly added.

“We can’t slack if we want to be at the level of tennis we want to be playing and compete with the better teams in our conference,” Kelly said. “It takes a lot of mental strength to continue to fight and persevere through tough matches to get where we want to be.”

The Warriors still have 13 games remaining this season, not including tournament play. It is important for the team to continue to grow as they take on the rest of their season, to stay ahead of the competition and on top in conference.

In a battle of two of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s (NSIC) top tennis teams on Saturday, Feb. 22, Winona State battled University of Mary, the Warriors coming out victorious as the beat the Marauders 6-1.

Rounding out their weekend on Sunday, Feb. 23, the Warriors struggled as they took on Minnesota State University-Moorhead losing 5-2.

Skibba described a strength of the team as not giving up until the match is over.

Kelly said the team’s strength is energy and support because the team aspect is more important than individual outcomes.

“We are there with our teammates, whether on the court or not, and it allows us to grow closer to each other and create that bond,” Kelly said.

Overall, both girls said they believe the team is all for one and one for all, they support and believe in each other on and off the court which makes them stronger all together.

The Warriors will take the courts again as they travel to Crookston, Minnesota to take on University of Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State University on Friday, Feb. 28 at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 29 at 11:30 a.m.

The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Winona State University, the Minnesota State Colleges and University system, or the Winona State University student body.