SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s tennis team battled to the end in Saturday’s MIAC playoff championship, but fell to Carleton 5-1 at the Brown Outdoor Tennis Courts. The Gusties end the season at 19-7 overall while Carleton earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships.
“Except for the final score I wasn’t disappointed one bit on how the girls played today,” Head Coach Jon Carlson said. “Carleton is a very good team and we put up a fight, taking them to three sets in five different matches. I think the girls gave everything they had to try to win. I couldn’t be more proud of the team and this season. Even though they are not conference playoff champions, they are conference champions and that’s an honor that no one can take away. It’ll be tough to see the senior graduate but we’ll look to get ready for next season. I think the team is very motivated to try to improve on what we did this year.”
Carleton opened the match with quick doubles victories at Nos. 1 and 2. The Gusties gave a fight at No. 3, but couldn’t overcome a deficit in an 8-6 loss. The Knights then gained a 4-0 lead with a straight set win at No. 1 singles. The remaining five singles matches went to a third set with Sydney Douglas (Sr., North Mankato) claiming six consecutive games in the third set at No. 4 to five the Gusties hope. But the Knights secured the match with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 win at No. 3.
Singles
| 1. Mary Frances Hose (CAR) def. Simona Potockova (GACW) 6-4, 6-0 |
| 2. Anna Stutz (GACW) vs. Amelia Asfaw (CAR) 6-4, 2-6, 1-2, unfinished |
| 3. Mariam Nechiporuk (CAR) def. Yuki Oda (GACW) 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 |
| 4. Sydney Douglas (GACW) def. Ingrid Smith (CAR) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 |
| 5. Alli Laux (GACW) vs. Miriam Shteyman (CAR) 5-7, 7-5, unfinished |
| 6. Rachel Lindrud (GACW) vs. Piper Brown (CAR) 6-4, 2-6, 2-1, unfinished |
Doubles
| 1. Mary Frances Hose/Amelia Asfaw (CAR) def. Simona Potockova/Yuki Oda (GACW) 8-1 |
| 2. Mariam Nechiporuk/Ingrid Smith (CAR) def. Anna Stutz/Sydney Douglas (GACW) 8-3 |
| 3. Taylor Thulson/Amanda Black (CAR) def. Rachel Lindrud/Josie Carlson (GACW) 8-6 |