Women' tennis prepares for IIAC Individual Tournament

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson women's tennis team closes a resurgent fall season at the Iowa Conference Individual Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4 in Pella, Iowa.

Hosted by Central, the tournament will take place at three locations: the college, Caldwell Park and Pella Christian High School. The forecast calls for cool temperatures and wind gusts up to 22 miles per hour on Friday but no precipitation. The wind will die down on Saturday, but temperatures will remain cool, with highs in the lower 50s.

The 2014 Season

Following a trying 1-16 season in 2013, a focused Storm squad came back with a 5-8 record this fall, including a 2-5 mark in conference play. Simpson already has eight more combined wins than it did at this time in 2013, combining for 40 wins (singles and doubles) compared to 32 a year ago.

"I'm pleased with how this season has gone," head coach Lindsay Chase said. "Many of the players have made strides throughout the season and will hopefully continue to see those into spring."

Junior Kelli Ehrhardt was the team's top singles player throughout the year, going 7-6 at No. 2 singles. Ehrhardt made the bump from the No. 3 spot a year ago.

Newcomer Cassidy Bierbrodt provided a nice boost to the lineup at the No. 6 spot, going 6-4 on the year including 6-1 at No. 6.

In doubles action, Ehrhardt and Megan Bradley posted a team-best 4-2 mark at No. 2 doubles.

Looking Ahead

With cool temperatures and plenty of wind in the forecast, Chase stresses that the team will need to focus on tennis in order to succeed.

"Mental toughness is going to be a major factor this weekend," Chase said. "Weather conditions aren't going to be ideal, but if the girls can focus on what they can control, compete hard and put to use the skills we have worked on, we will be successful."

Since taking over the program in 2008, Chase has coached four individual conference champions and one doubles team. Simpson is seeking its first conference champion since 2012.

Last year's individual tournament was cancelled due to inclement weather in Decorah, Iowa.