FALL PREVIEW: Tigers look to make deeper run in postseason
MARSHALL – Last season, the Marshall tennis team took another step further when it hosted a section match and advanced to the second round before ultimately falling to Hutchinson in the next round. This year, the Tigers will look to make a deeper push into the postseason under fourth-year head coach Alex Cleppe.
Marshall brings back a large group of returners this season, led by Gionna Parsa, Leah Matzner, Eden Knudson, Mariah Bergjord, Kaia Christensen, Alexis Moat, Regan Loft, Leah Schaefer and Maddie Bednarek.
Cleppe said they’ve also set high expectations for themselves this year, including working towards posting a winning season.
“We set that goal as a team that we want to be above .500. Since I’ve been here, we’ve never actually reached that as a team with our overall record, but for us, to be above .500 and hopefully get another home section match would be fun.”
The Tigers opened their season on a roll, winning their first four matches before falling in their next three. Cleppe said as the season continues, he’s looking forward to watching his players grow and continue to get better in each match.
“Just to see the growth out of our singles and our doubles players,” Cleppe said. “I think it’s important they continue to get better with every match and I’m looking forward to seeing how they’ve transitioned from their early matches to the heart of our schedule with some more tougher opponents.”