MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The St. Catherine University tennis team delivered a strong all-around performance Saturday to open the spring season at the Baseline Tennis Center, defeating Northwestern College 5-2. The Wildcats (2-1) set the tone early by sweeping all three doubles matches to take a 1-0 lead into singles play.
 
At No. 1 doubles, Faith Simon and Ashley King earned a convincing 6-2 win. The No. 2 pairing of Ryanna Steinhaus and Marie Pelletier followed with a 6-3 victory, while Liliana Holmberg and Melanie Gravdahl completed the sweep with a 6-4 win at No. 3.
 
In singles action, St. Kate's secured the match with three straight-set victories. Marie Pelletier picked up a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 3. Ashley King matched that scoreline with a 6-3, 6-3 victory at No. 4. and 
Ryanna Steinhaus was dominant at No. 5, earning a 6-0, 6-3 win. The wins at No. 3, 4 and 5 secured the non-conference victory and at No. 6 singles, Melanie Gravdahl battled through a tight three-set match, winning 6-4, 3-6, 10-4 in the super tiebreaker to cap the Wildcats' fifth team point. 
 
Northwestern claimed wins at No. 1 over Simon and No. 2 singles over Holmberg, but St. Catherine's depth and strong doubles play proved to be the difference. 

The Wildcats return to action next Friday at 7 pm hosting Martin Luther College in non-conference play at Baseline Tennis Center. They face the University of Minnesota Morris the following day at Baseline with a 4:30 pm start.