SARTELL, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict tennis team got its 2021 season started with a big win over MSU-Mankato Friday night.
 
In its first time on the court since Feb. 22, 2020, the CSB tennis team beat the Mavericks 7-2 to start the year. This marks the fourth straight season the Bennies have defeated at least one Division II team.
 
"It felt good to get back on the court and play a real match," head coach Michael Engdahl said. "It's been over a year since we last played which is crazy to think about. Everyone should be excited with how they played, and we are off to a good start. There are always things to work on after first matches, so we are excited for a good week of practice before MIAC play."
 
CSB swept doubles play to start the match. Senior Kayla McIver and junior Lily Fredericks teamed up to win 8-2 at No. 1 doubles, while first year Peyton Kopel and junior Grace Lee won by the same score at No. 2 doubles. Jane Bodensteiner and Maria Bedford wrapped up doubles play for the Bennies with an 8-5 win at the No. 3 doubles slot.
 
Both Kopel and Bodensteiner also picked up the first singles wins of their collegiate careers Friday evening. Kopel won 6-0, 6-1 at No. 3 singles and Boensteiner won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 5 singles. McIver pickedup a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles, and Fredericks won 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2 singles.
 
Lee forced a third set at No. 4 singles before falling 2-6, 6-3, 10-8, and Bedford fell 6-4, 6-2 at No. 6 singles.
 
The Bennies jump right into MIAC play Friday, March 19, when they head to Minneapolis to take on St. Kate's at 7:30 p.m. at Baseline Tennis Center on the U of M campus.