ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Carleton College women's tennis team got off to a quick start and secured a 5-2 triumph at No. 24-ranked Bethel University. With the result, the Knights (12-4, 8-0 MIAC) claimed a spot in the upcoming MIAC Playoffs.
Carleton has qualified for the MIAC Playoffs each non-CoVID affected season since the tournament changed to its current format in 2006. The Knights are currently tied with No. 18-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College atop the conference standings.
On Friday, Carleton handed Bethel (13-1, 3-1 MIAC) its first setback of the season thanks to a quick start to the day. Carleton swept the doubles contests.
Giana Marks and
Ryann Witter bested the No. 12-ranked duo of Lauryn Douglas and Michaella Sullivan by a 6-4 tally atop the flight, handing the Bethel tandem its first dual match loss of the year.
Kiley Pickens and
Gabriela Cillela prevailed by an identical 6-4 score at the second slot, while
Varinn Sood and
Algara Dineva teamed up for a 6-2 victory at No. 3 doubles.
Dineva and
Kat Smiricinschi widened the Carleton advantage to 3-0 after they earned matching 6-0, 6-2 victories at No. 4 and No. 6 singles, respectively. Dineva improved to a team-best 14-1 in singles action this season, while Smiricinschi remained undefeated in solo play.
Pickens trailed 4-1 in the opening set at No. 2 singles but won the next five games and ended up earning the clinching team point with her 6-4, 6-2 win. She is now 13-2 on the year.
Bethel tallied its first team point of the afternoon when Douglas, the No. 36-ranked player in the nation, held off Marks by 6-3, 6-2 score atop the singles lineup to remain undefeated in dual match play. Claire Keller added a 7-5, 6-1 victory for the Royals at No. 3 singles.
After dropping the opening set at No. 5 singles in a tiebreaker, Sood won the second set before triumphing in a super tiebreaker for a 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (10-6) victory.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will visit No. 18-ranked Gustavus for a 3:00 p.m. match on Saturday, April 18.
