SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – The Morningside women’s tennis team earned the GPAC’s automatic bid into the NAIA National Tournament in Mobile, Alabama.
The Mustangs went undefeated in conference this season and boast a 26-1 overall record.
Top player Line Jensen played as an individual at the tournament last season. The Mustangs’ last appearance at nationals as a team was in 2024.
Jensen said her advice for teammates heading to nationals for the first time is to enjoy the moment.
“Just like soak it up there are so many good teams and good players and I try to just use it as motivation but yeah just soak it up,” Jensen said.
Brooke Marshall said the competition will provide valuable experience.
“I’d say like looking at the competition its like you said top competition and just having those matches under our belt it’s such a good experience and like we’re isolated all the way out here in Iowa so it’s cool to meet some new people as well,” Marshall said.
Head coach Alex Struck said the key for the Mustangs is their team culture in a largely individual sport.
“I think a big thing for us is just toughness and togetherness. We talk about that a lot where we feel like we’re a tougher team when we’re together. That can lead to really good results, so we always want to have that family aspect and then support each other. Where tennis often times is an individual sport but we want to do it here like you’re not just playing for yourself but playing for every guy on the team and every girl on the team,” Struck said.
Morningside will take on Cumberland of Tennessee in their NAIA opener at 1 p.m. on May 12 in Mobile, Alabama.
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