The Gustavus women’s tennis team went 1-2 in its opening three matches of the 2011 season. Half of the Gustavus team traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to take on Drake and Graceland, while the other half stayed home to battle Nebraska-Omaha.
The Gusties started the day with a 5-4 loss to Nebraska-Omaha in the Swanson Tennis Center. Gustavus picked up wins at #2 and #3 singles from Megan Born (6-3, 6-3) and Mallory Shellum (6-1, 6-4). The Gusties added a pair of victories in #1 and #2 doubles, as Megan Born and Mary Roop defeated Traci Malestad and Kelsie Olson 9-7 (8-6) at #1, and Shellum and Heather Annis defeated Heather Hoffman and Jessica Hoffman 8-4 at
Nebraska-Omaha 5 vs. Gustavus 4
Gustavus fell to 0-2 on the day with a 6-1 loss to Drake in the Roger Knapp Tennis Center in Des Moines. Julie Bardenwerper picked up the only Gustavus victory in singles, winning 6-2, 6-1 over Earlynn Lauer at #6. Maria Bryan and Sam Frank won their match at #2 doubles 8-3, but Drake got the one point decision with wins at #1 and #3 doubles.
The Gusties earned its first win of the season later in the day with a 9-0 victory over Graceland. The Gusties swept the singles competition in straight sets, and picked up three victories in doubles.
The women’s tennis team will be back on the court on Saturday, Feb. 26 in St. Peter. The Gusties will begin their MIAC season with a doubleheader against Hamline and Saint Benedict. Gustavus will take on Hamline at 12:00 p.m. and Saint Benedict at 4:00 p.m. Both matches will be played in the Swanson Tennis Center.