The Winona State University women’s tennis team had quite an amazing fall season, providing a glimpse of what is to come later this spring. The Warriors ended with a 2-1 record from their various tournaments filled with great competition and experience for the team, especially the first-year players.
“We are excited about our three freshmen, Nikita, Alex and Debbie, they are all looking good,” Head Coach, Tom Sanvik explained.
The 60-day fall season showed lots of promise for the upcoming spring season beginning later this February.
To celebrate the end of the season, Winona State hosted a tournament for both Warrior alumni and the Winona community on Saturday, Nov. 16. Many past Warriors were able to come out of retirement and pick up a racket once again. However, for the alumni, their return was not only for their love of tennis, but their love for the coaches, players and the tennis community.
The annual end of the fall season tournament was organized last year and is led by those currently on the team. The fun-filled day of tennis is full of fundraising for the upcoming spring season. Most of the proceeds go towards Winona State’s trip to Fla. over spring break to play in various matches at the United States Tennis Association’s National Campus in Orlando.
Players that were between matches and spectators at the tournament were able to browse the silent auction where baskets were donated by various players, families, and supporters within the community, all of which was organized by the Warriors. Ranging from themed baskets to weekend trips, the silent action baskets spread along countless tables were quite a hit with the supporters.
Although the tournament was primarily focused on tennis, the Warrior-hosted day was very much a social event for the community. Supporters of all ages were seen either playing or watching the event. The doubles tournament was open to the community, all you needed was a racket and a partner to play alongside and/or against Winona State’s incredible current team.
Lainy Ristau, a second-year player, explained how this tournament eased the transition into the winter before the upcoming spring season. Now, Winona State is entering their “care hours” where they lift and practice a few times a week in comparison to their heavy practice schedule during the spring. Ristau explained the supportive environment Coach Sanvik creates as the team prepares for the spring as well as all the support that he has provided as they prepared for the end-of-the-season tournament.
“Coach Tom is the definition of a Minnesotan Man, he is so kind to everybody and so welcoming,” Ristau expressed.
However, Saturday’s event did not just end after the tournament concluded. The tennis community took their support off the court and continued the festivities later at 2 Brothers Sports Bar + Grill, who hosted the WSU Tennis Social.
This event was filled with good sport, fun and laughter making a great way for the fall season to come to a close. The Warrior’s first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) match will take place on Feb. 22 where they will face the University of Mary in Bismarck
