The College of Saint Benedict Blazer tennis team (1-1 overall, 0-0 MIAC) went 1-1 Saturday in Decorah, Iowa. The Blazers defeated the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 5-4, but fell to Luther College 3-6.

Saint Benedict started out down 1-2 after doubles against Eau Claire. The number doubles duo of seniors Lauren Jones (Ogden, UT, Saint Joseph Catholic) and Sarah Rossman (Rochester, MN, Lourdes) played a great back and forth match, but fell just short to their opponents(9-8 (7-5)).  Both teams had early opportunities to win the match, but went to a tiebreaker instead. The number two doubles tandem of seniors Alyson Brandell (Elk River, MN, Elk River) and Megan Seipel (New London, MN, New London-Spicer) picked up a solid win (8-3) while number three doubles lost a tough match 8-2.

The Blazers headed into the singles portion of the match needing four points to secure the win. They quickly picked up the first three with wins at numbers four, five, and six singles. First-yearAlicia Vargas (Coon Rapids, MN, Coon Rapids) picked up her first collegiate win at number six singles with a complete effort of 6-3, 6-3. Seipel picked up where she left off last season with a 6-0, 6-2 win at number five singles. Sophomore Jamie Hoffman (Bemidji, MN, Bemidji) dominated her match and won 6-0, 6-3. Lauren Jones picked up the win for the Blazers after a hard fought match at number two singles. Jones was nearly perfect in the first set, but her opponent fought back in the second set to force a tie breaker. Jones won 10-4. Brandell took an early lead at first singles but her opponent played a great second set to tie the match. Brandell lost the tie breaker 10-7. Eau Claire's fourth point came at third singles when Rossman was forced to retire due to injury. Rossman was up 7-5 and was at 2-3 in the second set.

Saint Benedict started the Luther match down 1-2 at doubles. Hoffman and Vargas picked up the only Blazer win at number three doubles, defeating their opponents 8-3. Rossman and Jones fell short at number one doubles (8-5) as did Brandell and Seipel at number two doubles (8-2).

The Blazers needed three points to secure the win, but were only able to get two against a tough Luther singles team. Vargas remained perfect on the day and picked up a win at number six singles by defeating her opponent 6-2, 6-3. Seipel stayed unbeaten in singles with a come from behind 2-6, 6-2, 10-8 win at number five singles. After the match head coach Scott Larsen said, “It was a hot and sunny fall day and our players were certainly feeling the effects of the heat, but we played two very strong matches and came up just a little short in the second one.”

Saint Benedict returns to action Sunday, September 18th, at 9 am when the host the CSB Mixer in St. Joseph, MN.