OWATONNA, Minn. – Minnesota State tennis battled to a 4-3 win over Carleton College on Saturday, handing the Knights their first loss of the season at West Hills Tennis and Fitness Center. The clinching point came in singles, when
McKenna DeMarce prevailed in the third set 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 over Kily Pickens at No. 2.
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The Mavericks improved to 4-0 in the spring as Carleton, ranked No. 34 in NCAA Division III, dropped to 7-1. It was the first win over Carleton for MSU in four tries since 2021, avenging last season's 4-3 loss in March.
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MSU continues non-conference play on Saturday, March 7 at 5 p.m. at Nebraska Kearney.
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"What a great day for Maverick Tennis," said head coach
Drew Hawthorne. "The team overcame tough challenges to accomplish this result. Carleton has a strong program and with two key players out sick, I was proud of how we adjusted to playing in new positions and doubles partners to get the victory."
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The Mavericks started with the team doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 2. Then, the top of the lineup found success in several tight sets.
Julia Gurholt defeated Giana Marks at No. 1 7-5, 7-5.
Lucie Sliskova won 7-5, 6-3 over Ryann Witter at No. 3 and the aforementioned DeMarce won at No. 2.
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"McKenna dominated the second set," said Hawthorne. "Her time on conditioning on and off the court has really paid off in long matches. Another huge moment was Julia coming back from 5-2 down in the first set with five straight games. It was a testament to her mental toughness."
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SCORES
Doubles
- MSU (Julia Gurholt/McKenna DeMarce) def. CAR (Giana Marks/Ryann Witter) 6-3
- MSU (Amanda Blanco-Epple/Lucie Sliskova) def. CAR (Kat Smiricinschi/Gabriela Cilella) 6-4
- MSU (Elizabeth Dabiza/Sutton Julsrud) def. CAR (Algara Dineva/Varinn Sood) 6-3
Singles
- MSU (Julia Gurholt) def. CAR (Giana Marks) 7-5, 7-5
- MSU (McKenna DeMarce) def. CAR (Kiley Pickens) 6-2, 5-7, 6-2
- MSU (Lucie Sliskova) def. CAR (Ryann Witter) 7-5, 6-3
- CAR (Peggy Fu) def. MSU (Amanda Blanco-Epple) 6-4, 6-2
- CAR (Algara Dineva) def. MSU (Sutton Julsrud) 7-5, 6-2
- CAR (Carinn Sood) def. MSU (Elizabeth Dabiza) 7-5, 6-1