Storm drop spring opener to Red Raiders

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The Simpson College women's tennis squad hosted Northwestern in its first spring match of the season on Friday. The Red Raiders snapped a four-game losing skid with an 8-1 win over the Storm.

Less than two weeks after taking the court with the women's basketball team in the NCAA Tournament, Anna Wanek went out and picked up the Storm's lone victory of the day. The senior, playing in her hometown of Urbandale, Iowa, defeated Julia Kutz 6-2 and 6-3 in the No. 1 singles slot. In doubles competition, Wanek and Kennedi Wright dropped a close 8-6 match.

"Anna came out as quick as ever," said head coach Faith Bliss. "After playing basketball the past few months, her movement across the court has really enhanced."

Donni Kinghorn and Wright competed at No. 2 and No. 3 singles, respectively. Kinghorn came up short 6-2 and 6-2 and Wright fell 6-0 and 6-0.

"Donni had a really tough match at No. 2 against an opponent with very strong swings," said. Bliss. "She did a good job strategically moving her around and grabbing four games overall. Kennedi put together some great points. She had several strong placement shots that moved her close to the net and into volley rallies where we struggled to close on. It was a tough night overall finishing points, but I am pleased with the set-up and strategy she was mixing in."

Anna Schewe and Maddie Hays rounded out singles competition with Schewe playing a close 7-5 set at No. 4 and Hays claiming six games in a loss at No. 5.

"I am very pleased to see Schewe and Hays stepping up to the four and five slots tonight and grabbing some games," said Bliss. "Overall, the whole team shook off some rust and nerves and we continued to play better as the day went on."

Up Next
The Storm host their next three matches, beginning with Northwestern (Minn.) on April 5 at 3:30 p.m. St. Mary (NE) and Truman are then scheduled to come to town the following Sunday.

Singles competition
1. Anna Wanek (SIM) def. Julia Kutz, 6-2, 6-3
2. Julia Anderson (NOR) def. Donni Kinghorn, 6-2, 6-2
3. Wynee Vandersall (NOR) def. Kennedi Wright, 6-0, 6-0
4. Ainslie Robinson (NOR) def. Anna Schewe, 7-5, 6-1
5. Jessica Wilson (NOR) def. Maddie Hays, 6-3, 6-3
6. Emma Montenegro (NOR) won by default

Doubles competition
1. Julia Kutz/Julia Anderson (NOR) def Anna Wanek/Kennedi Wright, 8-6
2. Wynne Anderson/Ainslie Robinson (NOR) def. Donni Kinghorn/Anna Schewe, 8-0
3. Jessica Wilson/Grace Twelmeyer (NOR) won by default