St. Catherine University Athletics

FARGO, N.D. -- The St. Catherine University tennis team delievered a strong conference performance on Sunday afternoon, defeating Concordia Moorhead 7-0 in the team's MIAC season opener. St. Kate's set the tone by securing two of three doubles matches for the point and completed a clean sweep in singles play to improve to 5-1 and 1-0 in MIAC play. 

After dropping the No. 1 doubles match, the Wildcats responded with convincing wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Marie Pelletier and Ryanna Steinhaus controlled their match for a 6–2 win, while Liliana Holmberg and Melanie Gravdahl matched that score line to give St. Catherine the early advantage.

Singles play belonged entirely to the Wildcats. Faith Simon opened with a decisive 6–3, 6–1 win at the top spot, and Holmberg followed with a 6–1, 6–4 victory at No. 2. Pelletier continued the momentum with a straight-set win at No. 3, while Ashley King battled through a competitive second set to secure a 6–3, 7–6 (7–4) victory at No. 4.

Steinhaus added another straight-set win at No. 5, and Gravdahl capped the sweep with the match of the day at No. 6, rallying for a dramatic third-set super tiebreak victory (11–9) after splitting the opening sets.

The Wildcats finished the afternoon winning all six singles matches and two doubles contests, improving to 5-1 overall and opening conference play with a strong statement performance.

St. Kate's returns to action on Friday, March 6 hosting Coe College at 7:30 pm at Baseline Tennis Center.