Wildcat tennis team’s comeback journey toward playoffs
Credit: Lindsay Madryga, director of athletic communications
Back Row Left to Right: Marie Pelletier, Liliana Holmberg, Faith Simon, Erica Wing, Anna Luksik
Front Row Left to Right: Sofia Walker, Monica Zink, Kelsey Dorr, Erin Loterbauer, Lily Vang
By Leah Keith
On Feb. 23, the St. Kate’s tennis team started off their spring 2024 season with a bang, winning 9-0 against their non-conference opponent at Martin Luther College. Within that same weekend, St. Kate’s tennis played their first match in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) season, winning 8-1 against the Concordia College Cobbers in Moorhead.
The team has notably won six out of their eight matches so far, but at this time last year, the team’s statistics would have been flipped, as they lost six out of their first nine matches in their spring 2023 season.
Reflecting on the previous season, team member Erin Loterbauer ‘24 (English/Education) acknowledges the setbacks they faced. "We kind of came off of a rebuilding year last year, so in all honesty, we did not have our best season," she recalls. “Last year was our first year in a while, at least as long as I’ve been here, that we didn’t make the playoffs.”
Despite the challenges from last year, the team is excited for another chance at qualifying for the MIAC playoffs that occur toward the end of the semester.
“One of our main goals this season is to qualify for the MIAC conference playoffs which consists of the top six teams at the end of the season,” says head coach Megan Gaard. “Our conference is very competitive, so it is always a challenge to finish in this top group.”
Nevertheless, Gaard is confident in her team’s ability to perform despite the challenges of the season.
“Each season is different because rosters and roles change from year to year,” shares Gaard. “We have a versatile group of players that are all capable of playing in the starting lineup.”
Gaard also says that she enjoyed the opportunity to practice a few days outside the traditional season for the first time according to the regulations set by the NCAA.
Adding to the excitement of the season is the new outdoor tennis courts on campus, where the team is eager to host future matches.“We are super excited to have brand new outdoor tennis courts on campus and look forward to hosting a match out there later in the spring,” Gaard says.
Anna Luksik ‘26 Credit: Lindsay Madryga, director of athletic communications
As the team prepares for the playoffs, they have grown both athletically and interpersonally. Anna Luksik ‘26 (Psychology/Communication Studies) highlights the cohesion and spirit that define this year's team.
“I would say our team this year is really close. Not that we aren’t usually, but I feel like we have a lot of people that have been here for a while," Luksik remarks. “The freshmen have come in really well this year, too — they mesh well.” While the tennis team hopes to accomplish their athletic goals for the season, they also understand the importance of cherishing their camaraderie and friendship with one another.
Over spring break, the tennis team traveled to Orlando, Fla., a highlight for many Wildcat tennis players. The team played three matches in Orlando and look forward to the rest of their season. Their next match will take place against Carleton College at the Rochester Tennis Connection on March 30 at 4 p.m. Be sure to check out the team schedule and cheer on the Wildcats at one of their upcoming matches!
