Western Wayne Today

In the final ITA Rankings for NCAA Division 2 for the 2023-24 academic year, Wayne State University's women's tennis team achieved notable standings. The team secured the top position in the Midwest Region and was ranked 16th nationally, following their advancement to the national quarterfinals for a second consecutive season.

Anais Ruyssen, a redshirt junior from Nantes, France, was ranked third in singles in the Midwest Region and 30th nationally. Sophomore Malak Arafat from Alexandria, Egypt, earned a ranking of 13th in the Midwest Region.

The Warriors also had success in doubles rankings. Ruyssen and redshirt junior Marta Komar from Inowroclaw, Poland, were ranked first in the Midwest Region and 18th nationally. Another doubles pair, Arafat and sophomore Martyna Szpakowska from Gdansk, Poland, were ranked ninth regionally.

Wayne State concluded their 2023-24 season with an overall record of 21-6. Their achievements included a perfect 7-0 record in GLIAC regular-season play, winning both the GLIAC Tournament title and the Midwest Region title. They advanced to the NCAA Finals round of 16 and reached the quarterfinals. Additionally, they claimed exhibition victories over Division 1 Oakland (4-3) and NAIA members Lawrence Tech (7-0) and Northwestern Ohio (6-1).

The team's losses came against #15 Washburn (4-1), #12 Indianapolis (4-2) indoors in mid-February, #2 Nova Southeastern (4-0) at the ITA Indoor nationals in late February, #21 Flagler (5-2) during a spring break trip, and #29 Tiffin (4-3) at home. After losing to Tiffin's Dragons, Wayne State went on to win 13 consecutive matches before being defeated by eventual national champion #2 Nova Southeastern (4-0) in the NCAA quarterfinals.

Throughout their season, Wayne State posted significant victories over ranked teams such as #6 Columbus State (4-1), #11 Indianapolis (4-1), #24 Tiffin (4-1), and #14 Washburn (4-1) during the NCAA Tournament.

Looking ahead to fall 2024, seven of eight letterwinners are expected to return.