Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University women's tennis team, ranked No. 27 nationally, has secured the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region for the NCAA Tournament. The team will host matches alongside Grand Valley State.

This marks the 15th appearance for the Warriors in the NCAA Championships and their second consecutive under head coach Yahsha Moore. Wayne State will bypass the first round and face either Tiffin or Ferris State on May 13.

The regional competition includes seven teams: Wayne State, Grand Valley State, Findlay, Tiffin, Ferris State, Rockhurst, and UIndy. Wayne State's record stands at 12-4 overall with an undefeated 8-0 conference record during the regular season and an 11-1 mark in the Midwest Region. The team finished as runner-up in the GLIAC Tournament after a narrow loss to GVSU.

Wayne State is currently ranked No. 27 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Martyna Szpakowska represents Wayne State as the No. 65-ranked singles player. In doubles, Szpakowska pairs with Malak Arafat to form the No. 19-ranked team, while Dea Gorgidze and Anais Ruyssen are ranked No. 23.

Last year, Wayne State reached the NCAA Quarterfinals by defeating Ferris State, Tiffin, and Washburn before falling to Nova Southeastern.

In total, 48 teams have been selected for this year's tournament, with 20 earning automatic bids through conference victories. Winners of each regional section will advance to compete in Altamonte Springs, Florida from May 21 to May 25.