Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's women's tennis team has been ranked 14th in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's (ITA) Division II Preseason Rankings. The announcement was made on January 15 by the ITA National Ranking Committee, which includes ITA Region Chairs.

The Warriors concluded their 2024 spring season with a 21-6 record, securing a GLIAC Championship and reaching the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. This performance placed them at 16th in the final ITA Poll of that year.

In the upcoming season, Wayne State will compete against Barry and Nova Southeastern, who are ranked first and second respectively. Additionally, they will face Findlay and Grand Valley State, both of whom received votes in the rankings.

The full rankings list is as follows:

1. Barry

2. Nova Southeastern

3. Lynn

4. Embry-Riddle

5. Midwestern State

6. North Georgia

7. Flagler

8. Wingate

9. Columbus State

10. Auburn Montgomery

11. Washburn

12. West Alabama

13. Nebraska-Kearney

14. Wayne State

15. Saint Leo

T16. Angelo State and Cameron (tied)

18. Southern Arkansas

19. Mississippi College

20. Tampa

21. Azusa Pacific

22. Academy of Art

23. Northwest Missouri State

24. Missouri Western

25 Catawba

Four student-athletes from Wayne State appeared in the ITA's individual rankings after the 2024 fall season:

- Martyna Szpakowska from Gdansk, Poland: First Midwest Region Doubles, Fourth Midwest Region Singles, Fifth National Doubles, 34th National Singles.

- Malak Arafat from Alexandria, Egypt: First Midwest Region Doubles, 18th Midwest Region Singles, Fifth National Doubles.

- Anais Ruyssen from Nantes, France: Second Midwest Region Doubles, Third Midwest Region Singles, 12th National Doubles, 25th National Singles.

- Dea Gorgidze from Tbilisi, Georgia: Second Midwest Region Doubles, 19th Midwest Region Singles, 12th National Doubles.

The WSU women's tennis team will start their spring season on February 8 in Indianapolis.