MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's tennis team continues its tough start to the season as it faces Division II University of Minnesota Crookston and Division II Bemidji State University on Friday, with matches beginning at 10:30 a.m.
 
The Cougars opened the season last Saturday against Division II University of Sioux Falls and No. 20 Gustavus Adolphus College. Mariah Mireles led the team by winning eight games, including five against Gustavus Adolphus' No. 3 player. Jhazlyn Wynne won six games in the match against Sioux Falls.
 
Minnesota Crookston opened its season with a 6–1 victory over Minnesota State University Moorhead. Josh Lunak is in his fifth season as head coach of the Golden Eagles. In the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference preseason poll, UMC was selected fifth. Daniela de Lucas Rivera was named the NSIC Player to Watch after posting an 8–5 record at No. 1 singles last season.
 
Bemidji State is off to a 2–0 start after defeating the College of St. Scholastica 7–0 and the University of Minnesota Duluth 4–3. Kyle Fodness enters his sixth season as head coach of the Beavers. BSU was selected eighth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll, with Mia Leshem named the Preseason Player to Watch. Leshem has started the season 2–0, winning at the first and second positions.