South Dakota Coyotes Battle Until the End
The South Dakota women’s tennis team fought valiantly against their regional rival, North Dakota, at the Huether Family Match Pointe in Sioux Falls on March 27, 2026. Despite a spirited effort, the Coyotes fell just short, losing 4-3 to the Fighting Hawks. This tightly contested match highlighted the fierce competitive spirit and determination of the South Dakota team, which continues to prioritize growth and development.
The Coyotes, led by coach Shayla Tuschen, had come into the match with a season record of 4-10, looking to pull off a significant victory against North Dakota, who boasted a more favorable 12-7 record. The encounter, pivotal in many respects, was not just about adding another win to the season but also served as an opportunity to galvanize the team, rally local support in Sioux Falls, and showcase the burgeoning talent within South Dakota’s ranks.
South Dakota Coyotes, known for their tenacity and team spirit, exhibited remarkable resilience during the singles matches, despite initially losing the doubles point. It was a setback, as North Dakota managed to secure wins in both the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles matches, leaving the Coyotes trailing early in the competition.
Shayla Tuschen in action.
The doubles pairing of Kayleigh Didderiens and Cassy Marra for South Dakota came tantalizingly close in their No. 1 doubles match against Ethel Li and Jule Schulte of North Dakota. Their match was left unfinished at a tie of 4-4, underscoring the evenly matched skills amongst the doubles teams.
Despite the early setback in doubles, the Coyotes regrouped, fueled by the determined play of sophomore sensation Selena Bird. She delivered a commanding performance in her No. 2 singles match, defeating Jule Schulte in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1. Bird’s victory was the spark needed to reignite the Coyotes’ hope and displayed the depth of talent emerging from South Dakota’s tennis program.
Anna Medvyedyeva, showcasing relentless pursuit and strategic play, secured another vital point for South Dakota with her win at No. 3 singles, defeating Andrea Pineda 6-3, 6-3. Medvyedyeva has consistently been a stabilizing force for the Coyotes, often delivering crucial wins in high-pressure scenarios. Her contributions extend beyond just points on the scoreboard; they underscore the strength and resolve within the South Dakota women’s tennis squad.
Keta Shavishvili also etched her name in the scoreline with a critical win at No. 5 singles. Her 7-5, 6-3 victory over Alyssa Giupponi exemplified her agile defensive tactics and ferocious baseline play, another testament to the Coyotes’ tactical awareness and resilience.
However, the balanced effort by South Dakota was countered by decisive wins from North Dakota’s players at the No. 1, No. 4, and the crucial deciding match at No. 6 singles. North Dakota’s Emma Roberts managed to tilt the match in favor of the Fighting Hawks with her win in a grueling three-set encounter against Ava Doddridge, wrapping it up with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 6-0.
The valiant effort by South Dakota shifts focus towards their next challenge against Kansas City on March 29, 2026. The upcoming match poses another valuable opportunity for the Coyotes to bolster their performance and engage their home crowd in Vermillion. As South Dakotans rally behind their team, they exemplify the spirit of community and shared ambition that defines this exceptional state.
For updates and more information on South Dakota women’s tennis, follow them on @SDCoyotes on Twitter and Instagram, or visit www.goyotes.com.