SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The No. 16 Augustana women's tennis team is set for a weekend matchup against central region opponents Emporia State and Newman. The match against Emporia State is slated for Saturday at 2 p.m. while the contest against Newman is on Sunday at noon.

Earlier this week the Vikings were tabbed to finish first as a team in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Along with the team recognition, the Vikings also got the nod for NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, Gabriela Jancikova.

Despite never playing an NSIC opponent, Janickova, a freshman, had an impressive fall pairing with 2020's NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, Laura Arce Vieyra. The duo made it to the ITA Cup in Rome, Georgia, in the fall. The feat was the first for Augustana since 2015. 

Two other Vikings will look to continue a winning tradition at Augustana in Valeriya Monko and Florentia Hadjigeorgiou, who played No.1 singles and No. 2 singles, respectively, for Augustana last year.

Monko claimed NSIC Player of the Year honors last year, going 17-2 in singles while holding a 16-4 record in No. 1 doubles pairing with Hadjigeorgiou.

Hadjigeorgiou was a steady 15-2 in singles in her freshman campaign, having an unblemished 7-0 record in the NSIC.

Following the central region clashes, the Vikings will move onto conference play facing Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State on Feb. 11-12.

–GoAugie.com–