ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict tennis team kicked off its home season against a pair of tough opponents this past weekend. The Blazers hosted UW-Eau Claire, which finished third in the WIAC this fall, and MIAC rival St. Thomas, which is currently undefeated.
Saint Benedict fell short against both teams, but one of CSB’s doubles teams won both of its matches over the weekend. Juniors Rachel Raden and Daley Rupar went 2-0 at the Blazers’ No. 2 doubles spot against the Blugolds and Tommies. For their big weekend, the duo has been named the Blazer Athletes of the Week.
Raden and Rupar started the weekend with an 8-3 win against UW-Eau Claire’s Sarah Henderson and Paige Kuepers Saturday afternoon, and followed up with an 8-4 win against St. Thomas’ Jenna Czarnecki and Shelby Henderson Sunday afternoon. The win Sunday was the only win of the day for CSB against the undefeated Tommies.
After a pair of wins this weekend, Raden and Rupar are 3-2 overall in doubles play, including 1-0 in the MIAC. Rupar is 3-4 in singles matches and Raden is 0-3.
The Blazers return to action and are back at home Saturday, March 21 when they host Northwestern (Minn.) at 10 a.m. at Fitness Evolution in Sartell, Minn.
