Upperclassmen leadership propels Bennies to 2-0 start in the MIAC

The St. Ben’s tennis team (4-4, 2-0 MIAC) has started MIAC conference play with wins over Hamline University and the College of St. Scholastica on Saturday. The Bennies have been led by junior Sophia Jonas and seniors Jane Bodensteiner and Peyton Kopel.

Head coach Jack Bowe was pleased with the opportunity to travel to Florida for the annual spring break trip and compete against Division II Allegheny College, Division II North Carolina A & T, Cedarville University, Wheaton College (Ill.) and Ursinus College.

“Spring break trip was fantastic. The competition made us a stronger team back home. We played exceptionally well yesterday against St. Scholastica. Playing tough teams on training trips pushes our level up,” Bowe said.

Bodensteiner has been playing at the No. 3/4 doubles positions this season. She has played with three different partners—sophomore Brooke Beier, first-year Kate Perbix and sophomore Kira Young—and knows each partner’s strengths when matched up with them.

“This year, doubles play has been super fun being able to play with different people. Each one of those girls are great players and even better individuals. We always laugh on the court and have fun. Having a change in partners often has been something that I have had to adjust to in terms of communication and play, but they make it easy to be flexible,” Bodensteiner said.

Bodensteiner claimed two wins over Division II opponents Allegheny 2-6, 7-6 (11- 9), 1-0 (10-8) and Ursinus College by a score of 6-2, 6-2. Even though they were DII schools, her mentality stayed the same as every point arose.

“Going into the Ursinus and Allegheny matches, I was focusing on remaining consistent in every point and and staying positive throughout the match as they both were tough, competitive players. I was looking for their weakest shots and making sure to attack those parts of their game. I wanted to put them in uncomfortable points where they had to hit shots they didn’t necessarily want to hit,” Bodensteiner said.

Jonas said she is proud of how close the team has gotten during her three years as a CSB student-athlete.

“The culture has been amazing. After Florida, we are all so close and support each other more. Our first match back was an example of that because we beat a solid team in the MIAC [St. Scholastica],” Jonas said.

This season, Jonas and senior Ashley Tarrolly have played to a 3-1 record, where they have competed against schools at the DII level and won.

“Playing with Ashley is one of the best parts of playing tennis. She is an amazing player, and it is so fun to play doubles with her. We play well together and always know each other’s next steps,” Jonas said.

Kopel believes that team chemistry and wellexecuted training has paid off and been a factor of St. Benedict’s early success as they begin the new spring season.

“We have had success both on and off the courts so far this season. On the court, we have had two MIAC wins against Hamline and St. Scholastica. We have also discovered good chemistry amongst doubles partners and have trained well to be successful during singles. Off the court, we bonded during our spring trip to Orlando, and are working towards upholding trust, respect and a positive atmosphere for a successful season,” Kopel said.

This year, Kopel has had success coming back against Division I and Division II schools that include the likes of St. Cloud State University of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and North Carolina A & T, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

“Playing Division I and II schools early in the season can be challenging, but I make sure to always stay positive and focus on my breathing. I always take it one point at a time to stay resilient when playing against tough competition,” Kopel said.

Kopel, Bodensteiner, Jonas and the rest of the St. Ben’s squad will be back in action on April 6 when the Bennies host St. Catherine’s University for a 1 p.m. matchup at SJU’s Chang Tennis Court.