MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 17-ranked Carleton College women's tennis team made quick work of St. Catherine University, winning their MIAC Playoffs semifinal match by a 5-0 score in a contest played to decision. The Knights will host No. 25-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College in the conference tournament finals on Saturday, May 4.
 
Carleton (16-0) picked up two early wins in doubles as Mariam Nechiporuk and Ingrid Smith secured their sixth straight victory, prevailing by an 8-0 tally at the second spot. Kat Smiricinschi and Ryann Witter improved to 12-0 on the year as they matched the 8-0 score in their win from the third slot. Not long after, Mary Hose and Amelia Asfaw completed the doubles sweep, securing an 8-2 win atop the lineup as the pairing moved to 11-0 this season
 
Hose made quick work of her opponent at No. 2 singles, registering a 6-0, 6-1 victory to nudge her season record to 14-1 and push the Knights to the brink of advancing. Miriam Shteymen clinched the result with her 6-0, 6-0 triumph at No. 4 singles, her 13th win on the year.
 
Nechiporuk was in control at No. 3 singles as she held a 6-1, 5-2 lead when play was halted. Asfaw led 6-4, 1-2 at No. 1 singles, while Kiley Pickens led 2-0 in the opening set at No. 5 singles. Because the match was moved to the Baseline Tennis Center due to rain earlier in the day, the teams were limited to four courts, so Witter had not yet begun her match at No. 6 singles when the team result was determined.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Familiar foes will square off when Carleton and Gustavus Adolphus play in the MIAC Playoffs final on Saturday. These programs are meeting in the playoff championship for the ninth time since 2007. Gustavus holds a 5-4 advantage in the postseason series; however, Carleton is the two-time defending playoff champion and topped the Gusties in both matches. The winner of Saturday's match will secure the MIAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Championships.