MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University tennis team added a 5-2 conference win over Macalester College on Saturday evening at Baseline Tennis Center. The Wildcats are 12-4 with an MIAC record of 5-2.Â
The Wildcats took early control by claiming two of the three doubles matches. The No. 2 duo of Ryanna Steinhaus and Marie Pelletier delivered a 6-2 win, while Melanie Gravdahl and Liliana Holmberg dominated at No. 3 doubles with a 6-0 sweep. Macalester picked up a narrow 7-5 win at No. 1 doubles, but St. Kate's carried a 2-1 lead into singles competition.
In singles play, the Wildcats depth proved to be the difference, winning four of six matches to clinch the dual. Ashley King was sharp at No. 4 singles, earning a decisive 6-2, 6-0 victory, while Steinhaus followed with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5. Gravdahl continued the momentum at No. 6 singles, posting a 6-1, 6-4 win.
The match was sealed at No. 3 singles, where Pelletier battled through a three-set contest. After taking the first set 6-3, Pelletier regrouped following a second-set loss and closed out the match with a 10-1 tiebreak win in the third.
Macalester picked up wins at the top of the lineup, taking both No. 1 and No. 2 singles, but it was not enough to overcome the Wildcats' strength throughout the middle and lower courts.
St. Kate's will host No. 18Â Gustavus Adolphus College on Sunday, April 12 at home.Â
