As the women’s tennis team gears up for their home game against Illinois Wesleyan Sept. 23, the team has the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Fall Championships and the CCIW Tournament heavy on their minds.
Augustana women’s tennis team has started this season on a high note, holding a 6-0 record with two wins coming from CCIW opponents North Park and Milikin.
Head coach Jon Midema’s  team is ready for the two tournaments, as well as the rest of the year.
“Our schedule is as tough as always this year, we’re coming off of one of the best years in program history and we’re looking to build on that,” said Miedema.
The team, consisting of two seniors, four juniors, four sophomores, and two freshmen, will be looking towards their two captains, Lauren Kaczmarek and Aileen MacDonald, for leadership during the two big tournaments.
“During our fall season, we focus heavily on our CCIW Conference Tournament, which takes place at the end of October. With that being said, I think I can say on behalf of the whole team that we’re really looking forward to playing our conference opponents in dual matches this fall,” said Kaczmarek.
Another source of strength for the Vikings has been sophomore Mollie Magee, who was voted the first women’s tennis player of the week in the CCIW. During her last match against Milikin on Sept. 9, Magee was undefeated in both her matches in the single and double.
“I was really excited when I heard I received the first player of the week. Our team has been working really hard to start the season off right and we are continuing to do so as the season progresses,” Magee said.
The Vikings have been working hard to make sure that they are the team with the most stamina.
“Our coach, coach Miedema, has said multiple times throughout the season that we will be the most conditioned team in our conference. It’s playing in matches where we can really see all the hard work we’ve put in pay off,” Kaczmarek said.
“I’m looking forward to playing the teams in our Conference to see just that. I’m really proud of this team and how hard everyone works. Playing in matches will just show all of the work we’ve put in,” Kaczmarek said.
While the Vikings physical game may be strong, their mental game may be even stronger.
“I think our motivation to do just as well if not better than last year is extremely high so we really want to make a big impression with the other teams early on,” Magee said.
The Vikings are set to play against Illinois Wesleyan on Sept. 23 at 4 p.m.