NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict tennis team pushed St. Olaf to the limits Saturday afternoon, but the Oles held on for a 5-4 win as CSB wrapped up its 2017-18 season in Northfield.
 
Saint Benedict ends the season 12-10 overall and 3-7 in the MIAC. Twelve wins is the most CSB has won in a season since finishing 13-10 overall in 2013-14.
 
"This group has so much to be proud of this year," head coach Michael Engdahl said. "The adversity they overcame and how they were positive from the first match to the last was incredible. It is awesome when you can finish a season with no regrets.
 
"The hardest part of this season is losing seniors Ellen Stensrud and Kylie Miller. They brought so much to the program, and their leadership was a big part of our team. They are going to be impossible to replace."
 
CSB took a 2-1 lead after doubles play. The Oles won 8-4 at No. 1 doubles, but Stensrud and Mackenzie Schurhamer won 8-4 at No. 2 doubles, and Erin Kolbow and Lauren Clark won by the same score at No. 3 doubles.
 
St. Olaf won four of the six singles matches to pull away for the win, however. The Oles won at No. 1 and 2 singles, but Stensrud and McIver picked up wins at No. 3 and 4 singles. Stensrud won 6-2, 6-1 and McIver won 6-1, 6-1. The Oles wrapped up the match with wins at No. 5 and 6 singles, although Schurhamer forced the match to go the distance before falling 6-2, 7-5 at No. 5 singles.
 
This marked the second straight season that CSB has won 10 or more matches in a season. Saint Benedict returns seven of its nine members of the 2017-18 roster for the 2018-19 season.