BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has unveiled the preseason coaches' poll for women's tennis. Minnesota State Moorhead was selected ninth in the poll while senior
Luzmary Diaz Castillo was named the league's Preseason Player of the Year.
Moorhead claimed 36 points in the annual poll that was topped by reigning champion Augustana with 100 points and 10 first-place votes. Sioux Falls, who earned the third spot in the rankings, claimed the other first-place nod. The Dragons are coming off 12 dual wins in 2024-25, including five wins in NSIC competition. Moorhead advanced to the NSIC Tournament Semifinals a season ago after defeating UMary in the quarterfinals.
"As I undergo my first season as head coach, I am excited to see the drive and the hunger of this team," said head coach
Damien O'Donnell, who was elevated to the post in late July. "We have great internal competition, and we know as a team that is what will make us stronger. Pairing that with the versatility and chemistry of this roster, it should be a great season."
Diaz Castillo leads a returning class of three student-athletes as she is joined by junior
Katryna Hansen and sophomore
Sophia Felderman. The Dragons brought in four true freshmen this fall as well as a pair of transfers. Diaz Castillo is coming off a record-setting season in 2024-25, securing All-NSIC First Team Singles and Doubles honors. The Maracay, Venezuela, product tallied 15 victories in singles action a season ago while also securing a school record 16 doubles wins alongside partner (and now assistant coach)
Shaelyn Johnson. Diaz Castillo went 5-2 in NSIC singles play last season while also earning five doubles wins in league play.
"Luz has been a staple on our team for a few years now. She continues to set the tone for what Dragon tennis should be. A fantastic leader on and off the court, she gives the rest of the team someone to look up to and that is invaluable," said O'Donnell of the senior. "As her coach, I expect another fantastic year from Luz because I know that's what she expects from herself."
The Dragons are set to begin the spring campaign this weekend in a non-conference dual with Minnesota Crookston. First serve from Grand Forks, N.D., is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
