Eastern Wayne Today

Following their annual Spring Break trip to Florida, the Wayne State University women's tennis team is set to face Tiffin University at home. The match will take place on Wednesday, March 20, at noon inside the Duchene Athletic Facility. Wayne State, ranked third nationally, has a record of 8-4 this season and remains undefeated at home.

The Warriors have faced Midwest Region teams five times this season, winning four matches. Their only loss was against Indianapolis on February 11. All four losses were against nationally-ranked teams: Washburn, UIndy, Nova Southeastern, and Flagler.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) released new rankings last week on March 13. Wayne State maintained its third-place position in Division II behind Barry and Nova Southeastern. Four players from Wayne State are ranked in singles: Anais Ruyssen (11th), Malak Arafat (45th), Marta Komar (55th), and Martyna Szpakowska (69th). In doubles rankings, Ruyssen and Komar are third nationally.

Wayne State's recent Florida trip resulted in two wins against Florida National and Palm Beach Atlantic but included a loss to Flagler. Szpakowska and Dea Gorgidze secured singles victories in the match against Flagler.

With ten regular-season matches remaining, several players have achieved notable records. Szpakowska leads with 11 singles victories without a defeat this season. Ruyssen holds a 9-4 record in No. 1 singles matches.

Tiffin University has started its season with a strong 13-1 record. The Dragons' only loss was to Embry-Riddle on March 2. They have since won six consecutive matches and are ranked 24th nationally by ITA.

Historically, Wayne State has dominated Tiffin with a 20-2 record since March 2005. The Warriors have won their last two encounters with Tiffin and remain unbeaten at home against them since then.

Phil Conley coaches Tiffin's team with assistance from Abbie-Jade Riley and Shea Foster.