The Buena Vista women's tennis team begins its 2022 Fall schedule this weekend by playing a trio of matches on the campus of Cornell College. BVU takes on the host Rams at 12:00 p.m. before going against Marian University (Wis.) at 4:00 p.m.  The trip concludes on Sunday when the Beavers take the court against Elmhurst University at 10:00 a.m.

Head coach Dan Taylor begins his fourth season guiding the program, but this will mark his first go-around in a full-time role. Despite having just three starters back from last season, Taylor has been extremely pleased with how the ladies have looked during practice leading up to this weekend's opener.

"The ladies have been working very hard, and I've seen improvement in their games every day," says Taylor. "We've been training in the weight room more, and this will help with their movement. Their serves, returns, volleys and ground stroke control are all getting stronger."

Senior Alexis McGinnis and junior Gabby Kardell are two of the team's veterans and Taylor feels both are poised to have big years.  McGinnis was second on the team with three singles victories a year ago and combined to win five doubles outings.

"That returning experience is a blessing to have," he says. "They have also added skills, strategies and such which should result in greater success for them than a year ago. I believe Alexis has a great shot at all-conference honors this fall, and if they play really well, the team could finish a spot higher in the standings than the last couple years and make the AQ tournament in the spring."

After playing three matches this weekend, the Beavers will turn their focus to the home opener which is also the American Rivers Conference opener on Friday, September 9, against Simpson College.  Taylor says it'll be nice to get out on the court today and tomorrow and begin feeling the game speed again.

"The main goal for this weekend is to get back into the rhythm of playing matches, rather than just drilling," he says. "It would, however, be wonderful to get a few wins this weekend as well to build confidence for A-R-C play."

Aside from hosting the Storm, Buena Vista is also scheduled to play home matches against Morningside (Sept. 13), Nebraska Wesleyan (Sept. 25), Dubuque (Oct. 7) and Loras (Oct. 8).