ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The No. 4 seed St. Catherine University tennis team delivered a strong all-around performance on Tuesday afternoon, defeating Macalester College 4-1 in the MIAC Playoff Quarterfinals at the Wildcat Tennis Courts.
The Wildcats took control early in doubles play, securing two key wins to grab momentum and start out the match with an early 1-0 lead. The pairing of
Ryanna Steinhaus and
Marie Pelletier earned a decisive victory at No. 2 doubles, while
Melanie Gravdahl and
Liliana Holmberg followed with another convincing win at No. 3. The No. 1 doubles match featuring
Faith Simon and
Ashley King remained tightly contested and unfinished after the point was clinched for St. Kate's.Â
In singles play, St. Kate's continued to build its lead with three dominant straight-set victories. King cruised at No. 4 singles with a 6-0, 6-3 win, while Steinhaus was equally impressive at No. 5, not dropping a game in a 6-0, 6-0 sweep. At No. 6, Gravdahl added another point with a strong 6-1, 7-5 performance.Â
The top of the lineup saw competitive battles, as Simon and Pelletier each pushed their matches to tight finishes that went unfinished. Despite a tough loss at No. 2 singles from Holmberg, the Wildcats still clinched the win to advance to the semifinal round.Â
The win advances St. Kate's to face the No. 1 seed Gustavus Adolphus College Golden Gusties on Thursday in St. Peter at 3:30 pm.Â
