The Gustavus women’s tennis team took a big step toward the goal of winning its 20th straight MIAC Title on Saturday in Lakeville, Minn., defeating its top threat in Carleton 7-2 and taking over sole possession of first place in the MIAC. The #16 Gusties swept the doubles competition before taking four points in singles. Gustavus improves to 14-9 overall and 7-0 in the MIAC, while Carleton falls to 14-5 overall and 8-1 in the MIAC.
The Gusties jumped out to an early 3-0 lead following three wins in doubles. Sam Frank and Megan Gaard defeated Kathryn Schmidt and Erin Gudul 8-2 at #1 doubles, Marianne Barau and Alex Erickson topped Bridget Doyle and Anne Lombardi 8-3 at #2, and Mary Roop and Megan Born defeated Sara Thappa and Molly Hernes 8-6 at #3. The win was the Barau/Erickson duo’s 10th of the season, as they join Frank and Gaard (12-5) in double digit wins.
In singles play, Frank bested Schmidt in three sets 7-5, 5-7, and 11-9 in the tiebreak at #1 singles. Gaard defeated Doyle in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 at #2 singles, and Barau topped Lombardi 6-1, 6-1 at #3. Mary Roop provided Gustavus’ final win of the match at #5 singles, taking down Hernes 7-5, 0-6, and 11-9. Carleton’s two points came by way of Gudul over Erickson 0-6, 6-2, and 10-4, and Katherine Greenberg over Born 3-6, 6-2, and 10-5 at #6.
The Gustavus women’s tennis team is now on a four-game winning-streak and will travel to St. Paul to play St. Thomas and Macalester in a MIAC doubleheader on Sunday, May 1. The Gusties will battle St. Thomas at 10:30 a.m. and Macalester at 5:00 p.m.
Singles competition
1. Sam Frank (GAC) def. Kathryn Schmidt (CAR) 7-5, 5-7, 11-9
2. Megan Gaard (GAC) def. Bridget Doyle (CAR) 6-2, 6-2
3. Marianne Barau (GAC) def. Anne Lombardi (CAR) 6-1, 6-1
4. Erin Gudul (CAR) def. Alex Erickson (GAC) 0-6, 6-2, 10-4
5. Mary Roop (GAC) def. Molly Hemes (CAR) 7-5, 0-6, 11-9
6. Katherine Greenberg (CAR) def. Megan Born (GAC) 3-6, 6-2, 10-5
Doubles competition
1. Sam Frank/Megan Gaard (GAC) def. Kathryn Schmidt/Erin Gudul (CAR) 8-2
2. Marianne Barau/Alex Erickson (GAC) def. Bridget Doyle/Anne Lombardi (CAR) 8-3
3. Mary Roop/Megan Born (GAC) def. Sarah Thappa/Molly Hemes (CAR) 8-6