Jenni White
Sierra Krebsbach
Ali O’Neal
Sam Frank
The Gustavus women’s tennis team posted a convincing 9-0 win over Saint Mary’s and an 8-1 win over previously MIAC unbeaten St. Thomas on Sunday afternoon on the Brown Outdoor Courts at the Swanson Tennis Center in St. Peter. With the wins, the Gusties claimed a share of their 17th consecutive MIAC title and clinched the top seed in the MIAC Tournament to be held on April 25-26 in St. Peter.
Coach Heidi Carlson’s squad jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after winning all three doubles points. Sam Frank and Ali O’Neal played the tightest doubles match of the day at the #2 spot, as the team defeated Toni Troumbley and Abby Cooper 8-5. Laura Arnebeck and Christine Reimer defeated Val Meschke and Courtney Spartz 8-3 in the #3 doubles position, while Jenni White and Sierra Krebsbach won at #1 doubles by the score of 8-4 over Kayla Lenz and Aubrey Hirsch.
The Gusties did not drop a set in singles play as Gustavus completed took all singles points. The closest singles match took place at #1 and #6 singles, as Jenni White defeated Val Meschke 6-1, 6-3 at #1 singles and Jenny Arnfelt defeated Abby Cooper 6-3, 6-1 at the #6 spot. Other Gustavus wins came from Sierra Krebsbach (#2), Ali O’Neal (#3), Sam Frank (#4), and Erica Dobson (#5).
In a matchup of conference unbeatens, Gustavus grabbed a 3-0 lead over St. Thomas after sweeping the doubles matches. Ali O’Neal and Sam Frank won the #2 doubles point with an 8-5 win over Alexandra Frank and Brittany Bachman. The Gusties also earned victories from Jenni White and Sierra Krebsbach (#1) and Laura Arnebeck and Christine Reimer (#3).
St. Thomas’ Allison Bruflodt posted a win for the Tommies after Sierra Krebsbach was forced to retire in the second set at the #2 singles position. In #5 singles, Erica Dobson prevailed against Madeline Gail 6-2, 6-3 in the closest singles match of the afternoon. Gustavus earned the remaining points from Jenni White (#1), Ali O’Neal (#3), Sam Frank (#4), and Jenny Arnfelt (#6).
Gustavus, which improved to 19-8 overall and 9-0 in the league, will close out the regular season against St. Olaf on Monday in Northfield at 4 p.m.