Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's women's tennis team has secured a place in the NCAA Division 2 quarterfinals for the second year running. The team, ranked 21st nationally and seeded seventh, defeated Washburn University with a score of 4-1 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Wayne State's victory over the 14th-ranked and 10th-seeded Washburn improves their overall record to 21-5.

The team will face Nova Southeastern, who is seeded second, in the upcoming quarterfinal match. Nova Southeastern advanced after a decisive win against Indiana (Pa.) with a score of 4-0. Wayne State previously defeated Indiana (Pa.) during last year's tournament round of 16.

Interim Head Coach Yahsha Moore commented on the team's performance: "Today's match was a great stepping stone for our team. We went out with the intention to play every point like it was our last, and I believe this is one of the many reasons on why we were successful today. We had the mentality to refuse to lose, and we're going into the next match humble, hungry, and excited for what we can do next."

In doubles play, Wayne State won two out of three matches to secure the doubles point. Anais Ruyssen and Marta Komar lost their first doubles match but are ranked 25th nationally. However, victories from Malak Arafat and Martyna Szpakowska at No. 2 doubles and Dea Gorgidze alongside Justine Beaulieu at No. 3 doubles clinched the point for Wayne State.

In singles matches, Beaulieu continued her strong performance with a straight-set victory at sixth flight singles. Ruyssen also won her singles match against Maja Jung, putting Wayne State ahead by three points before Washburn claimed their only point as Arafat fell in three sets.

Komar sealed Wayne State's win with her comeback victory at No. 3 singles after losing her first set but rallying to take the next two sets.

The Warriors' upcoming encounter with Nova Southeastern marks their fifth meeting; previous matches have seen Nova Southeastern emerge victorious each time.