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Sartell, Minn. – The Saint Benedict tennis team played an even split in singles play with visiting St. Olaf on Apr. 19, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 3-0 deficit after doubles play in a 6-3 loss at Fitness Evolution.
The Oles (8-5, 5-1 MIAC) opened the match with wins in all three doubles matches – including two by 8-1 scores – and took a commanding leading into singles action.
The Blazers (8-5, 2-4 MIAC) needed to take five of the six matches in single play to secure the win, and started out well, winning two of three.
Daley Rupar earned her team leading 11th win of the season at No. 2, taking a 7-6 win in the first set before her opponent was forced to retire. She has now won six straight matches, the longest stretch by a Blazer this season.
Next to check in was
Ellie Black at No. 4, who bounced back from a loss last week to win for the fifth time in the last six matches. She scored a 6-3, 6-4 win to pull the Blazers within two at 4-2 with three matches left.
Despite the Blazers two wins, the Oles were now just one win away from locking up the match, and got it with the next decision.
Beth Richmond fell 6-4, 6-1 at No. 5, giving the Oles the clinching fifth win.
The Blazers got their final win from
Aly Dahlquist at No. 6, who was leading 2-1 in the third, before also gaining the win with opponent retiring.
The loss is the second straight for the Blazers, but for the 11th time in their 14 matches they finish with at least a split in singles play. They gave St. Olaf one of thier toughest matches all season, as only two other MIAC teams came away with three or more match wins.
The Oles keep pace at the top of the league as one of four teams with just one conference loss, with all just a match back of unbeaten St. Catherine.
The Blazers will now get back out on Sunday (Apr. 21) when they head to Lakeville to take on Carleton and 3:30 p.m. This is a
new date and time than was originally scheduled, due to the snow storm on Thursday.
