MATCH NOTES (PDF)

MARSHALL, Minn.- The Southwest Minnesota State tennis team (4-7, 2-4 NSIC) will travel to Bemidji State (3-8,2-4 NSIC) for an NSIC match-up on Friday at 2 p.m.

Series records:  The series between SMSU and Bemidji State goes back 30 years to 1980. The Mustangs are currently on a four-game winning streak against Beavers and hold an advantage in the series as they are 24-4 versus BSU. The two teams last met year when SMSU won 5-4.

Last time out: SMSU took to the courts last Sunday and swept Minnesota, Crookston in a 9-0 decision. The Mustangs jumped out to a 3-0 lead when all three doubles teams won their contests. Trisha Baldwin and Cailey Grupe defeated UMC's Cassandra Jarvis and Michelle Boateng 8-4. Lissa Murakami and Danielle Hildebrandt held Andrea Lariviere and Caitlin Krueger scoreless, winning 8-0. Amy Daniels and Angie Wiegmann also won their match in an 8-1 decision over Melissa Mackedanz and Alyssa Klingenberg. Hildebrandt held Boateng scoreless from the No. 2 singles position, winning her sets 6-2, 6-2. Grupe only allowed one point in both her sets defeating Andrea Lariviere in a 6-1, 6-0 decision from the No. 3 position.

Hildebrandt named NSIC Player of the Week: The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference announced Monday that SMSU senior Danielle Hildebrandt has been named Player of the Week for women's tennis. Hildebrandt was perfect in SMSU's lone match last week as her Mustangs blanked Minnesota, Crookston 9-0 on Saturday to pick up a conference victory.  From her No. 2 singles spot, Hildebrandt defeated UMC's Michelle Boatang in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.  She picked up another convincing win with teammate Lissa Murakami at No. 2 doubles as the duo topped Andrea Larivier and Caitlin Krueger 8-0.

SMSU ranked in Central Region: SMSU is ranked ninth in the ITA Central Rankings as of the March 2. Other teams from the NSIC placing in the Central region include Upper Iowa (No. 3), Minnesota State (No. 5), St. Cloud State (No.  6) and Winona State (No.7).
    1.     Mesa State
    2.     Metro State
    3.     Upper Iowa
    4.     Nebraska- Kearney
    5.     Minnesota State
    6.     St. Cloud State
    7.     Winona State
    8.     CSU-Pueblo
    9.     SMSU

Grupe ranked in Central Region:  Junior Cailey Grupe (Trimont, Minn.) is ranked No. 15 in the ITA Central Rankings in singles.  Grupe has charted a 7-7 record in singles play this season.

Senior momentum:  The 2010 roster features two senior in Danielle Hildebrandt (St. James, Minn.) and Amy Daniels (Marshall, Minn.).  The two have been mainstays in the SMSU lineup throughout their careers, making waves in both singles and doubles play.

The coach:  The longest tenured coach currently on staff at SMSU, George Seldat enters his 16th season as head tennis coach of the Mustangs in 2010. Seldat has compiled a 80-152 overall record at SMSU.  Last season, he coached the Mustangs an overall record of 8-14 and 5-6 mark in the NSIC.

Stay connected:  Stay connected with SMSU tennis all season long at www.smsumustangs.com.  The Mustangs are also on Facebook and Twitter; just log onto www.facebook.com/smsumustangs and www.twitter.com/smsumustangs.  For the latest video highlights and new episodes of the Mustang Minute check out SMSU's official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/smsuathletics.?