Shane KoobSportswriter

Women’s tennis rebounds after a disappointing meet to do well in the Omaha Collegiate Championship to gear up for the Kellogg Classic.

The SDSU women’s tennis team hosted North Dakota in a dual at the Hillcrest Tennis Courts Oct. 1. The dual was the first ever Division 1 match held in Brookings. Although the Jacks didn’t fare so well – not winning a match all day – the team liked being home.

“It was fun and you have more confidence playing at your courts because you always play there,” junior Natalia Medina said.

Jacks Coach Don Hanson was appreciative of the support shown by the Brookings community, but Hanson said the team didn’t play to its potential – citing the Jacks possibly being over-excited about playing at home for the first time.

“We’ll never be not mentally ready again,” Hanson said.

After the dual last Friday, the Jacks traveled to Nebraska to compete in the Omaha Collegiate Championship on Saturday and Sunday. SDSU had a strong showing, with Medina winning the Flight E singles. Junior Megan McDougall played solid for the Jacks, winning the consolation match in Flight C singles.

In Flight D, it was junior Katie Elifson taking the consolation match for SDSU. Elifson would team up with Medina for a shutout of their Flight C doubles opponent. Hanson was proud of the team’s turn-around from Friday to Saturday.

“We were excited about it (the tournament), and we feel like we’re beginning to turn some corners. We had some great moments, but we are not where we want to be,” Hanson said.

With just one fall tournament left, the Kellogg Classic in Macomb Ill., Oct. 8-10, the Jacks are looking to take another step toward being a team that can compete in the conference this spring.

“Heading to Macomb, we’re looking to not just play, but we’re looking for domination,” Hanson said.

If the Jacks have a strong showing, it will give them confidence heading into the winter. The current team will work hard on its game, but will also be getting some help. The Jacks have added two athletes to their roster: one from Columbia and one from New Zealand. Hanson said he was excited to be adding two great players, and that it would make for some good competition before the spring conference roster is set.

“I’m excited to practice hard (this winter), and then play to all our strengths in the spring,” said Medina.

Due to only one indoor court, the players either practice early in the morning or at night during the winter months. The practice is a chance for the player to improve as an individual which will help make the best team for conference play.

“We’ll continue to work hard and get better, and hopefully come out and do more than compete this spring. The potential is there,” Hanson said.

#1.1669054:3265008746.jpg:TennisSalo, Morgan.jpg:The SDSU men?s tennis team completed its 2010 fall season with a good showing at the Omaha Collegiate Championship last weekend. Sophomore Morgan Salo of Brainerd, Minn., won in Omaha and found himself in a team-best 3-1 position.:Submitted photo by Eric Landwehr, University relations#1.1669053:1014330435.jpg:TennisMedina, Natalia.jpg:Natalia Medina took first in the Flight E Singles at the Omaha Collegiate Championship this past weekend. The Jackrabbit women?s tennis team now gears up for its final fall tournament, the Kellogg Classic in McComb, Ill., Oct. 8-10. Coach Don Hanson says the women have work to do before next week.:Submitted photo by Eric Landwehr, University relations