Work hard and good things will come to you. That's what you are told growing up.

Somtimes that is true. Sometimes not.

But there is a feel good story about perseverance at the U of M involving the women's tennis team

Freshman Jessika Mozia is receiving a full scholarship for next season.

Women's tennis coach Chuck Merzbacher made that announcement this week.

"Jessika has worked so hard this year and has been a leader with the type of work ethic she displays each and every day," Merzbacher said according to a news release. "I am very proud of her.

"She represents the University of Minnesota, her team, and her family in such a positive way. I look forward to Jessika being part of the bright future of this program."

Mozia is from Littleton, Colo. With two matches left in the regular season, Mozia leads the team with a 21-15 overall singles record, playing mostly fourth or fifth singles.

In doubles, with five different partners, she is 15-16.

It's unclear whether Mozia was a walk-on or had a partial scholarship this school year.

HOME EDGE

The Gophers are 9-12 overall, 3-6 in the Big Ten. Their home record is 8-2, but they are 0-6 in road matches, 1-4 on neutral courts.

And Merzbacher's team is very international, half of the 12 players are from different countries: Belarus, Czech Repblic, France, Isreal, Spain and the Ukraine.

Mozia is from Colorado and the Gophers also have a player from Georgia. Then there are four in-state players, one from Deephaven, three from Rochester.