Nationals await Mustangs once again

Missing last year's national tournament isn't something the Morningside women's tennis team has forgotten. The Mustangs have used it as motivation dating back to the fall season.

Now, after what head coach Alex Struck '16 called the best season in program history, Morningside is back on the national stage.

The Mustangs (26-1) will make their fifth appearance in the NAIA National Tournament when they face Cumberland (Tenn.) at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Mobile, Alabama.

"They've learned from it and done a good job of taking those lessons to heart," Struck said. "They're really focused going into nationals with that same determination where the job's not done. They've checked one box, checked another box, and now they want to finish it by competing well at nationals."

Morningside earned the GPAC's automatic bid by winning the conference tournament last month in Omaha. The Mustangs defeated Concordia 4-1 in the championship dual to punch their ticket to nationals.

Morningside secured the doubles point behind wins from Lara Heinrich and Helene Kreibich, along with Line Jensen and Brooke Marshall. In singles play, Kailee Bailey and Jensen added victories before Stefany Simplicio clinched the championship with a 6-1, 6-1 win.

Marshall said the team is eager to experience the national tournament atmosphere after building momentum throughout the year.

"We've got so many girls who have elevated the team on and off the court, and we're really excited to go," Marshall said. "Having those tough matches during the season was a good experience for us. It'll also be cool to meet some new people."

The Mustangs challenged themselves throughout the season, facing six programs that either held national rankings or received votes in the NAIA poll during the fall and spring. Morningside went 5-1 against those opponents, with its lone loss coming to No. 20 William Woods in February.

"I'm excited to show what we can do outside our conference," Jensen said. "We need to be ready from the beginning."