VIRGINIA, Minn.—By splitting singles and sweeping doubles, the College of Saint Benedict tennis team (4-4, 2-0 MIAC) defeated the College of St. Scholastica (8-7, 3-3), 6-3, in MIAC play on Saturday, March 23 at the Virginia Indoor Tennis and Pickleball Club.
 
With the victory, the Bennies improved to 4-4 overall with a 2-0 in the MIAC and a tie for second place. CSB will face St. Catherine on April 6 at the SJU – Chang Tennis Courts in Collegeville.
 
Against the Saints, CSB swept the doubles, led by the No. 1 team of junior Ashley Tarrolly and Sophia Jonas, who defeated Julia Maier and Martina Garcia, 8-7, to move to 3-1 on the season. At No. 2 doubles, senior Peyton Kopel and junior Greta Nesbit moved to 4-4 overall and 2-0 in league play after defeating Mishell Benitez and Chloe Hasbargen, 8-7. CSB also won at No. 3 when senior Jane Bodensteiner and first-year Kate Perbix defeated Anna Ritchie and Maya Nibbe, 8-6. Bodensteiner/Perbix improved to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in conference action.
 
In singles play, the Bennies took three of six matches against CSS. At No. 1 singles, Tarrolly (3-2) dropped a decision to Julia Maier, 3-6, 6-2, 1-0 (5-10). Playing at No. 2, senior Peyton Kopel dropped to 1-7 this season after a 4-6, 3-6 loss to Martina Garcia. Junior Sophia Jonas fell to 3-3 on the season with a 1-6, 1-6 loss to Katia Bartels.
 
CSB won singles competition at No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6. At No. 3 singles junior Greta Nesbit (4-4) defeated Benitez by scores of 6-2, 6-3. At No. 4 Bodensteiner, who is 4-4 in singles play, won her match by scores of 5-7, 6-2, 1-0 (10-4) against Maria Sosa. At No. 6 singles, first-year Ryanna Steinhaus (2-3) took a 7-5, 6-3 decision against Ritchie.