Bennies sweep MIAC competitor Macalester 9-0 Saturday

The CSB Tennis team completed a sweep of the Macalester team on Saturday, April 2, winning all three doubles rounds and all six singles rounds.

This was the first time in recent years that the Bennies have beaten Macaleaster.

“I was just so proud of each one of the girls. At this point, every game of every match counts towards making playoffs…it gives us a lot of confidence that we can do anything heading into our next tough MIAC matches,” senior captain Lily Fredericks said.

With only four matches left and only about a month until the MIAC playoffs begin, this sweep was a boost in team morale for the Bennies heading into the home stretch of the season.

“This team has showed so much resilience this season,” head coach Mike Engdahl said.

This weekend was also a testament of the team’s toughness, as they battled the wind and cold weather throughout their matches. This was their first outdoor competition of the season.

Despite the weather, the Bennies pulled through for the team sweep.

“Everyone battled this weekend, and being able to come out 3-0 after tough doubles sets fueled us for our singles matches,” senior Grace Lee said.

The first two doubles matches were close, but each pair was able to pull through for their respective wins. Fredericks and sophomore teammate Peyton Kopel teamed up to record a win by one point in the first doubles match, while sophomore Jane Bodensteiner and first-year Sophia Jonas won by two points in the second.

The third doubles match, won by Maria Bedford and Greta Nesbit, was a blowout, as the Bennies won 8-0.

“Our first and second doubles were both winning and then fell behind toward the end, but both were able to show a lot of grit and determination to pull out the win. We had won at third doubles as well, which took the pressure off the singles matches,” Bedford said.

Despite winning all three doubles matches, the Bennies did not slack in the singles. Fredericks, Kopel, Nesbit, Bodensteiner, Jonas and Bedford all recorded wins in the singles matches.

“A highlight for me was being able to pull out a singles win after having a lot of tough past matches,” Fredericks said.

The team will face tough compeition against Gustavus, St. Kate’s and Bethel.

As one of two seniors on the team, Fredericks has never had the chance to play in the MIAC playoffs, so pulling off wins with the tougher teams will guarantee her a spot.

“Looking into future matches, I’m excited to play against each team. I think each match will bring challenges in different ways, whether it’s physically, mentally or the weather, but I know we’ll fight to come out on top,” Lee said.

According to Bedford, facing Bethel on April 9 will be another tough match, but it will be key in solidifying a spot in the playoffs.

“We have proven to ourselves we can compete at that level so I am excited to see if we can shake things up a bit in the MIAC,” Engdahl said.