St. Ben’s tennis looks to young talent to spearhead the 2026 season

The CSB tennis team kicked off their 2026 season this past weekend at home against Hamline where they fell 2-6. As they continue into the season, they are looking to get their first win and continue improving as the season progresses.

Junior Marie Labenski, who is first doubles with Ellie Huber, and fifth singles, talks about what a successful season would look like for her as she kicks off her junior season.

“Last year we were all super young. We have lots of talent back and new talent too. Aiming towards making a run in the postseason and just competing at a high level with the top teams in the MIAC. So just by making the playoffs and going on a solid run to see what the team can do,” Labenski said.

The reality of college athletics is that the team will look different each year, with newcomers, and others graduating. Labenski says she sees something different in this year’s team compared to her other years.

“This year’s team has a very competitive edge. By showing up to practice and playing our best. We are all looking to improve on our aspects of weaknesses and I can see that nobody is settling on their talents and it’s really exciting to see everyone wanting to get better and seeing that every day,” Labenski said.

What drives all sports teams is how each individual is motivated to get to their teams’ end goal and Labenski says this year’s team is no different.

“Our biggest motivation is the team camaraderie. All of us girls are super close and it is easy to build off each other’s energy. It makes us want to get better,” Labenski said.

Senior captain Hannah Helm, highlighted the takeaways from prior seasons that she is taking into her final season.

“Leaning more into a leadership and mentorship role since I am the only senior. We have a young team and I can be there to help instill good benedictine values into my teammates. I am using my past experiences and putting that onto my teammates to help them learn,” Helms said.

Helms talked about what she is hoping to see from her final season on the team.

“Continuing to improve and show up. Looking to better my game as well. I am still new to the game, as I joined my sophomore year in high school. I still have a few goals for myself but a lot of them are for helping my teammates as we go through the season,” Helms said.

Junior Ella Marohl, who is typically second on singles, talks about what makes her meet day routine special and how it gets her ready.

“I always listen to music, positive music, caffeine and checking in with my teammates. I chat with them during breakfast and when stretching to help keep the mood light and fun,” Marohl said. A huge part of life is having role models and those that influence you the most and Marohl has two that have been helping her with her tennis career at CSB.

“One being my dad, he coached me in high school and just being able to connect with him after practices and before matches. He helps with different strategies and brings in an outside perspective. The other person is Peyton Kopel who graduated in 2024. She always had a positive outlook and was a good captain. She always put in so much effort into the matches and the team,” Marohl said.

The CSB tennis team looks to compete against St. Olaf during their next meet, at home, on Sunday, March 8. Their last meet until their upcoming spring break trip where they will be competing in Orlando, Fla.