WINONA, Minn. - The University of Northwestern Women's Tennis team kicked off its season Saturday with a dual versus Saint Mary's University. In a tight battle that came down to the #5 singles match, the Eagles were able to emerge with a 5-4 victory to open their season.
UNW jumped out to a 2-1 lead after the conclusion of doubles matches.
Elise Jarchow (Luverne, Minn./Luverne) and
Analise Marquardt (Parkers Prairie, Minn./Parkers Prairie) earned an 8-5 victory in #2 doubles, while
Annie Orvis (Rochester, Minn/Schaeffer Academy) and
Abby Johnson (Zimmerman, Minn./Homeschool) claimed an 8-4 win in #1 doubles.
Rayna Baumgarn (Holmen, Wis./Holmen) and
Abigail Ross (Chico, Calif./Central) fell 8-4 in the #3 match.
The Cardinals were able to draw even at 2-2 with a win in #1 singles, but Johnson put Northwestern back in front with a convincing, 6-1, 6-1 win in the #2 spot. SMU once again tied the dual with a #3 singles in, but the Eagles got wins from Marquardt in #4 singles (6-1, 1-6, 1-0 (10-5)) and Baumgarn in #5 singles (6-1, 6-4) to clinch the win. Saint Mary's won the #6 singles match, but it was too, little, too late for the hosts.
Northwestern will take to the road again next Saturday, February 10th, as they travel to Fargo to take on Concordia College.
