Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Wraps Up Fall Tournaments at Thunderbird Invitational
Nov 10, 2024 | Tennis
The Wildcats will return to the courts in January for the spring season
Sophomore Zali Morris wrapped up competition for the K-State women's tennis team on Sunday (Nov. 10) in the Thunderbird Invitational at Whiteman Tennis Center.
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Morris was the lone Wildcat in the tournament hosted by Arizona State, competing in all three days of singles play.
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On Saturday (Nov. 9) she fell short to Northern Arizona's Patrycja Niewiadomska in a high scoring match of 5-7, 6-7 (6-8).
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During the last day of competition, Morris was victorious in three sets after dropping the first, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), to Makenna Thiel from the University of California at Berkley.
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The Wildcats spent the fall competing in multiple tournaments since September, including hosting the K-State Invitational for the first time since 2020. Multiple doubles duos shined in ITA competitions, while advancing to the ITA Central Regional semifinals.
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"It was a good fall for the program in terms of recognition and being able to represent the Big 12 in a NCAA qualifier," head coach Jordan Smith said. "As well as being a part of another NCAA qualifier representing our region. Which shows where our program is headed and currently is amongst the nations best."
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The K-State women's tennis team will return in January for the start of the 2025 spring season.
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"We'll spend these next few weeks getting better as a group. In order to come out strong in the team season next year." Smith said.
Thunderbird Invitational (Whiteman Tennis Center, Tempe, Ariz.)
Singles Competition
Saturday, Nov. 9
Patrycja Niewiadomska (NAU) def. Zali Morris (KSU) 7-5, 7-6 (8-6)
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Sunday, Nov. 10
Zali Morris (KSU) def. Makenna Thiel (CAL) 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
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How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on the K-State Women's Tennis Team, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
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Morris was the lone Wildcat in the tournament hosted by Arizona State, competing in all three days of singles play.
Â
On Saturday (Nov. 9) she fell short to Northern Arizona's Patrycja Niewiadomska in a high scoring match of 5-7, 6-7 (6-8).
Â
During the last day of competition, Morris was victorious in three sets after dropping the first, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), to Makenna Thiel from the University of California at Berkley.
Â
The Wildcats spent the fall competing in multiple tournaments since September, including hosting the K-State Invitational for the first time since 2020. Multiple doubles duos shined in ITA competitions, while advancing to the ITA Central Regional semifinals.
Â
"It was a good fall for the program in terms of recognition and being able to represent the Big 12 in a NCAA qualifier," head coach Jordan Smith said. "As well as being a part of another NCAA qualifier representing our region. Which shows where our program is headed and currently is amongst the nations best."
Â
The K-State women's tennis team will return in January for the start of the 2025 spring season.
Â
"We'll spend these next few weeks getting better as a group. In order to come out strong in the team season next year." Smith said.
Thunderbird Invitational (Whiteman Tennis Center, Tempe, Ariz.)
Singles Competition
Saturday, Nov. 9
Patrycja Niewiadomska (NAU) def. Zali Morris (KSU) 7-5, 7-6 (8-6)
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Sunday, Nov. 10
Zali Morris (KSU) def. Makenna Thiel (CAL) 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
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-- k-statesports.com --
 How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on the K-State Women's Tennis Team, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
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