Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University's women's tennis team has been recognized in the final Division 2 National and Regional Rankings by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), released on May 29. The team secured the top position in the Midwest Region and ranked 22nd nationally, marking their third consecutive appearance in the national quarterfinals.

In singles rankings, graduate student Anais Ruyssen from Nantes, France, was ranked as the No. 10 singles player in the Midwest Region. Junior Malak Arafat from Alexandria, Egypt, was ranked 14th in the same region. Nationally, junior Martyna Szpakowska from Gdansk, Poland, achieved a ranking of No. 69 in singles competition. Notably, Ruyssen received recognition as the ITA Midwest Senior Player of the Year before advancing to the NCAA Round of 16.

In doubles competition, Arafat and Szpakowska were ranked second in the Midwest and 21st nationally. Meanwhile, Ruyssen paired with Dea Gorgidze from Tbilisi, Georgia; they were ranked fifth in their region and 31st nationally. Arafat and Szpakowska recorded a season performance of 13-3 overall, while Ruyssen and Gogidze finished with a record of 22-9.

Throughout their campaign for the 2024-25 season, Wayne State's Warriors achieved an overall record of 14-5. This included an undefeated run within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) at 8-0 and a strong regional record of 12-1. The team earned both a GLIAC Regular Season title and a Midwest Region title.

The Warriors competed against seven teams featured in ITA's final rankings: Barry University (first/national champion), Nova Southeastern University (second/national runner-up), Midwestern State University (third), Dallas Baptist University (12th), University of Findlay (19th), Grand Valley State University (28th), and Tiffin University (35th). Victories were claimed over Dallas Baptist (4-1), Findlay (4-3), Grand Valley State (5-2), and Tiffin (4-3).