Palen to Play Final Home Match

AMES, Iowa- Iowa State's tennis match Sunday against Texas Tech brings the end of home-court action for Cyclone senior Alyssa Palen.

The native of Rochester, Minn., grew up playing tennis. Although her parents, Stephen and Kathryn, did not play competitive tennis, they supported her brother, Adam, and sisters, Lyndsey, Jill and Alexa throughout their tennis careers. Lyndsey played for Gustavus Adolphus while Jill, chose to play at Iowa State. Alexa began play at Minnesota this season.

"Having my sister, Jill, already on the team definitely influenced my decision to come here," Palen said. "Visiting her, attending matches and the beauty of this campus really affected me. Every time I came to visit, I felt like I was welcome and had a place I belonged."

Palen started her Cyclone tennis career under former head coach Michele Conlon, earning a team-high 10 singles wins in her freshman year.

In her sophomore campaign, Palen saw the introduction of then-assistant coach Armando Espinosa. That season, Palen teamed up with Liza Wischer for most of the Big 12 season and played a variety of singles slots.

"Throughout my career at Iowa State I have played just singles, just doubles, or both," Palen said. "In the last two years, Armando (Espinosa) has made so many great changes to the program, not only with the attitude, but with the skill of new players as well."

Palen played singles in her junior year, posting an 8-8 record and made rare doubles appearances. Now in her senior campaign, Palen has teamed up again with Wischer, going 10-6 on the season thus far.

"Playing doubles with Liza, we bring a positive energy to start off the match right and try to spread that energy to the other girls on our team," said Palen. "Liza and I have actually known each other since we were kids. We met when we played regional tournaments together. We have a great friendship that works for us, especially when we take the court together, because we communicate so well with each other. We stay positive no matter what, which is something other teams can look to."

"Alyssa and Liza, they just complement each other so well in doubles," Iowa State head coach Armando Espinosa said. "The chemistry is there, they pump each other up and they do a great job.

"Alyssa's leadership in doubles has been great. Every time we step on the court for practice or a match, Alyssa brings intensity. Not only does she lead on the court, but the rest of the team definitely looks up to her as a leader; they know she is a good role model to follow."

Palen will take the court for the final time in Ames on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. when the Cyclones face Big 12 foe Texas Tech.

Players Mentioned

Alyssa Palen

Alyssa Palen

Liza Wischer

Liza Wischer

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