USF side-steps Mustangs to complete home-opening weekend

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, NEB. – Sophomore Jil Hellerforth (Luedenscheid, Germany) earned a back-and-fourth singles win, leading Morningside against National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II foe University of Sioux Falls Sunday, Feb. 6.

After a first set 6-3 victory, Hellerforth withstood a narrow 7-5 second set defeat at the hands of the Cougars' Talia Janos. The two went point for point throughout the super breaker until Hellerforth gained the 10-7 decision and match victory.

Junior Emily Clotfelter (Fairfield, Mont.) almost joined Hellerforth in Mside singles success. After winning the first set 6-4 over Megan Quandt, the match went to the superbreak with USF's 6-1 second set triumph. A 10-7 score was etched in the outcome, favoring Quandt.

The visitors could use their five of six singles victories toward the dual decision due to claiming the doubles point. Hellerforth and sophomore Olivia Boudreau (Papillion, Neb.) nearly crashed the party, falling only 6-4 at No. 2.

Morningside (1-1) resumes its season-opening home set Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11 and 12. They take on NCAA Division III foe Martin Luther College Friday at 2 p.m. and Iowa Central Community College out of the National Junior College Athletic Association Saturday at 4 p.m. Both duals are scheduled for First Serve Tennis Center.