After another successful fall season, the Cyclones qualified several players for the national tournament in Tyler, Texas, in May.

After conquering the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region 4 last season, including one of their most successful runs at nationals, the Cyclones lost several athletes to graduation and had to rebuild the team. With half a new crew, Moraine Valley only narrowly lost one regular season match to McHenry County College and came in second at regionals Oct. 13-14, good enough for a berth to the Big Dance.

"With some stars moving on from last season, to take second is fantastic. For two of our new athletes to qualify for nationals was phenomenal. They did a great job, and it's a huge step," said Head Coach Matt Marusarz.

Freshman Allyson English at No. 3 singles was conference champion as were the duo Maya Morris/English at No. 2 doubles. Region champs were English, Morris/English and No. 1 doubles pairing Izzy Slezakova/Victoria Maratea.

"I think we did great this fall. Ideally, we always want to take first, but what we got with our first-year players, for them to come in and play how they did, I'm content. I'm excited to return to nationals," Marusarz said. "I'm very proud of this team and how they performed. This new generation of players continue to come in and work hard. Even when they're down, they still worked hard and never gave up."

The Cyclones have all winter and spring to prepare for the national tournament, which starts May 4.