Augustana's recent domination of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's tennis does not appear to be subsiding.
Augustana has claimed the league's last three regular-season championships. The Vikings have not lost a conference match in three seasons. In addition, Augustana has won the last two NSIC tournaments.
“It has been a lot of fun, and our top goals again this year are to win the conference and conference tournament,” says head coach
Marc Kurtz. “We'll see what happens from there.”
A major change for the Vikings in 2013 is the Central Region's new lineup. Membership includes schools from the NSIC, Great American Conference, and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
“Competition in the region will be a lot tougher this year,” says Kurtz. “Southwest Baptist will probably be the dominant team.”
Meanwhile, the Vikings remain the team to beat in the NSIC.
Michelle Wadas and
Katie Jesperson were all-conference first team choices in both singles and doubles in 2012. Jesperson posted a 14-3 record at No. 1 singles and ended the season on a four-match winning streak. Wadas' 19-3 record included 13 wins at No. 2 singles. She was 9-0 in NSIC competition and 3-0 in the post-season.
As doubles partners, Jesperson and Wadas were 14-7 overall, 7-2 in the NSIC, and 2-0 at the conference tournament.
During the 2012 campaign, Jesperson and Wadas were each cited as conference player of the week.
Hannah Gebauer (16-3) was an all-conference second team choice for both singles and doubles a year ago. She was 8-0 in the NSIC and won matches at both the conference tournament and Central Region tournament.
Heather Sullivan compiled a 17-5 season's record and was 9-1 in NSIC matches. She was second team all-conference in doubles and honorable mention in singles.
Sullivan and Gebauer rolled to a 20-2 doubles record, including 10-0 in regular-season conference play and 2-0 at the league tournament.
Liz Lewis began 2012 with 14 consecutive wins. She finished the year at 18-5 and was 9-1 against NSIC opponents. She earned all-conference honorable mention recognition for singles.
Jenna Helleberg was perfect in 13 singles matches, including an 8-0 mark against NSIC opponents.
Jessica Spalding was 10-3 in singles and partnered with
Gabrielle Kachena for a 5-0 doubles record.
Jesse Richards is new to the roster this year but is expected to make an immediate impact. She played No. 1 singles at Minnetonka High School for two seasons and helped her team to five consecutive section titles. She has extensive experience in USTA Junior tournaments.
“Jessa was a top player in juniors and when she showed an interest in Augustana I followed up immediately,” said Kurtz.
Augustana was 18-4 a year ago, losing to Colorado Mesa, 5-4, in the opening round of the Central Region Tournament. The Vikings were ranked No. 1 in the Central Region.
The Vikings open the 2013 season Feb. 1 against the University of Sioux Falls at Sioux Empire Fitness.
“The girls are tired of practicing,” said Kurtz. “They are ready to play.”
