ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – In his 40th season as a tennis head coach, Jack Bowe has observed just about everything in the game of tennis. And as the 2025–26 season approaches, the veteran likes what he sees from the College of Saint Benedict tennis team as it opens MIAC play against Hamline on Saturday. First-serve will be at noon at Sta-Fit in Sartell, Minn..
In its 48th season, tbe CSB tennis program has built a tradition of success, recording more than 420 wins and 26 top-five finishes in conference play. As the season opens tomorrow, the Bennies aim to build on a 7–11 overall record from 2024–25, including a 2–8 mark in the MIAC. Although CSB missed the conference playoffs for the first time since the 2021–22 season, the program's foundation—established in 1976—remains strong. That history and confidence set the tone for Saturday, as the Bennies look to start the season on a winning note right out of the gate.
Hamline earned a 6–3 win in last year's opener, but CSB still holds a commanding 32–3 all-time advantage in the series. Prior to that setback, St. Benedict had won 12 straight against the Pipers. As they prepare for tomorrow, they do so with confidence, notes Bowe.
"We are a very young team this year – just one senior – but we gained a lot of good experience last season," said Bowe. "We're really looking forward to seeing what this group can do."
Following the season opener, the Bennies will host St. Olaf on March 8 before heading to Orlando, Fla., for their annual Spring Break Trip, which features four nonconference matches. CSB then returns home March 28 to resume conference play, beginning a stretch of eight MIAC matches and one nonconference contest through late April. (Full schedule)
The MIAC Championships are set for April 28–May 2. CSB has qualified for the MIAC Playoffs 12 times in program history, posting a 4–12 record in postseason matches.
The lone senior is Hannah Helms (Kerkhoven, Minn.), who returns after going 2–0 in singles play a year ago. The Bennies did graduate Sophia Jonas, but a talented core of returners is back and ready to build on last season.
Junior Ella Marohl (St. Cloud, Minn.) returns after competing primarily at No. 2 singles (4-14 record), while sophomore Allyson Yahn (Pequot Lakes, Minn.) posted a 7–10 record at No. 3. Lila Collins (Brainerd, Minn.) enjoyed a strong 10–7 season in singles, and junior Marie Labenski (Northfield, Minn.) was 7–3, mainly at the No. 6 position. Kate Perbix (Elk River, Minn.) also returns after going 5–4 in singles and 7–11 in doubles, most often at No. 1. In doubles play, Collins finished 6–6, Marohl 7–11, Yahn 5–12, and sophomore Ava Stritesky (Otsego, Minn.) 3–7.
CSB also welcomes several newcomers, including first-year players Ellie Huber (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Addison Doherty (Maple Grove, Minn.), Sadie McLean (St. Cloud, Minn.), and Kaitlyn Rahne (Hutchinson, Minn.), along with sophomore transfer Claire Erdahl (Brainerd, Minn.).
As the Bennies look to grow and push for a return to the MIAC Playoffs, team leaders are energized by the opportunity ahead.
"Coming back this year, we have a lot more experience on the court and with collegiate-level competition," said Yahn. "I'm excited to see how our team grows."
Marohl echoed that confidence. "Making the MIAC Playoffs is definitely a goal. We came up a little short last year, but being such a young team, it's about continuing to grow together, being confident in our roles, and supporting each other."
Collins added that the team's chemistry is a key strength. "We really like being around each other, and that matters even in an individual sport like tennis. That's what drives us to come to practice, put in the work, and get better—not just for ourselves, but for our teammates too."
