The Cyclone women's tennis team had a successful fall, going 6-3 overall and 2-2 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. They finished second by half a point at the NJCAA Region IV tournament, which qualified them for the national tournament that was scheduled to start May 4. First-year Head Coach Bre Vollan had a cohesive, energetic team to work with, including three sophomores who are moving on.

"We had a great season in the fall. After a hard-fought battle at the regional tournament, we placed second, edging out the third place team by half a point. Of the six players, all six placed in either singles or doubles, and a few placed in both! Unfortunately, the national tournament was canceled. The cancellation, however, does not discredit all the hard work the players put in during the regular season and does not overshadow all the good memories made. I wish the best for the sophomores and can't wait to see what life has in store for all the players!"

Brooke Zielke
"Brooke has been an imperative member of the team for the last two years. Not only did she play first singles and first doubles holding a near perfect record both years, but she also qualified for nationals for both as well. She was one of the best players in the conference and region, receiving numerous verbal recognitions/congratulations from coaches, opponents and spectators. Her contributions to the tennis team went beyond winning matches as she was a leader, encouraging teammate and great friend."

Serene Itani
"Serene played a huge role on the tennis team both years in numerous ways. She was an anchor for her teammates. She was always offering words of comfort, support and motivation. Serene was not only a teammate but also a sister to everyone. She should be remembered for her hard-fought battles on the court during matches and practices. She played with such emotion and willingness to leave everything on the field (well, court) that she pushed her teammates to be better players and women."

Ban Alobaidi
"Ban played one year for Moraine Valley. She played a very important role on the team this year for many reasons. At the start, one of the six starters became injured and was unable to play for the majority of the season. Serene reached out to Ban, knowing she played tennis in high school and was incredibly kind, and asked her to join our team to be the sixth able-bodied player. As soon as Ban joined, we became a complete group not only because we had a full six-player roster, but also because she improved the lives of her fellow teammates and myself. Her attitude, work ethic and nonstop positivity is what I think of first. She filled in for Milca at sixth singles and third doubles and stepped down so Milca could take her original spot at the regional tournament. If there was ever a time that someone needed a shoulder to lean on, Ban was there, no questions asked, no reasons needed."