OWATONNA, Minn. – Tennis programs around the country celebrated Intercollegiate Tennis Association's College Tennis Weekend differently. The University of Northwestern Women's Tennis team did so by going 2-0 win its Saturday matches, winning 7-0 over Buena Vista University before closing out a 4-3 nail-biter against Ripon College.
Match One: Buena Vista University Beavers
In the first match of the day, Northwestern looked as crisp as can be, winning all nine matches en route to a 7-0 win. In doubles,
Abby Cimenski (Coon Rapids, Minn./Coon Rapids) and
Macie Ruddy (Coon Rapids, Minn./Coon Rapids) kicked things off with a 6-1 win in the No. 3 match, before the No. 2 team of
Aby Ross (Chico, Calif./Central) and
Anne Clarke (Granite Falls, Minn./Yellow Medicine East) won by the same score to clinch the doubles point. For good measure,
Rein Hayashi (Kyoto, Japan/Kansai Christian School) and
Sarah Langridge (Savage, Minn./Prior Lake) took home a 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles.
As singles matches began, the wins kept coming for UNW. Cimenski was first to finish with a 6-1, 6-0 win in the No. 6 spot, followed by Hayashi's 6-2, 6-3 triumph at No. 1. Ross took care of business with a 6-4, 7-5 win in the No. 3 match to secure the team win, which was followed by Clarke's 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5. At No. 2, Lagridge secured a 6-3, 6-0 win, and
Hannah Hyttsten (Becker, Minn./Becker) completed the sweep with a 6-3, 2-6, 10-8 win at No. 4 singles.
Match Two: Ripon College Red Hawks
In the nightcap in Owatonna, Northwestern had to battle to sweep the day. The Eagles got off to a good start, winning all three doubles matches. Ross and Clarke set the tone with a 6-0 sweep at No. 2 doubles, then the No. 3 team of Hyttsten and Cimenski followed with a 6-2 win to clinch the doubles point. Hayashi and Langridge had to grind in the No. 1 match, but emerged with a hard-fought, 7-5 victory.
Ross picked up the first singles point of the night with a 6-2, 6-1 win in the No. 3 spot, but the Red Hawks were able to tie the match with wins over Hyttsten at No. 4 (2-6, 0-6) and Hayashi at No. 1 (3-6, 6-1, 4-10). Langridge came through with a 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 2 singles to make the match dormie, but Ripon was able to tie again as Clarke fell 5-7, 4-6 in the No. 5 match. It all came down to No. 6 singles, and Cimenski delivered in the clutch. The freshman won 6-4, 6-4 to win the team match and was swarmed by her elated teammates.
Up Next
Assuming weather allows, the Eagles will be making their home debut at Johnson Tennis Complex on Friday, April 3
rd at 1:00 PM against Hamline University.
