The Keiser women’s tennis team, ranked second in the nation, is set to embark on an intense start to their new season with two formidable matches. The Seahawks will face off against Division II reigning National Champions Nova Southeastern on Tuesday and Division II runners-up Barry on Thursday. Both matches are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., with the first encounter taking place at the NSU Tennis Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and the second at the Buccaneer Tennis Center in Miami Shores.

Keiser boasts a strong roster with three players ranked in the top 10 in singles and two doubles teams in the top 20. Violet Apisah leads the charge as the highest-ranked NAIA player overall after clinching her second ITA Cup victory in the fall. Her teammates, Cato Tangkau and Eloise de Mooij, also made notable appearances at the ITA Cup, securing fifth and sixth places respectively. In doubles play, de Mooij and Vanja Vidanovic hold the third spot, while Tangkau and Yeva Kononovych are ranked twentieth. Historically, the Seahawks have shown resilience, boasting a 15-5 record in spring season openers.

Moving forward, the Seahawks will need to draw upon their experience and skill to compete against these powerhouse opponents. Nova Southeastern, fresh from winning a program-record 27 games and their first NCAA Division II national championship last season, will present a tough challenge. Despite losing key players, the Sharks still field standout performers like Kristyna Hranacova and Isabella Ciancaglini. Meanwhile, Barry, with eight NCAA Division II titles under its belt, remains a formidable adversary. The Buccaneers' top player, Alina Michalitsch, won the South Region Singles Title in October, and three more players rank within the top 50 in Division II.

Facing such elite competition early in the season offers the Seahawks an invaluable opportunity to test their mettle. These matches will not only gauge their readiness but also inspire them to reach new heights. By embracing these challenges, the team can foster growth and resilience, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season. This competitive spirit embodies the essence of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence.