The Winona State University women’s tennis team split a pair of NCIS matches this weekend, falling to St. Cloud State and defeated Minnesota Duluth.  

The Warriors went up against the Huskies on Friday, March 24. It was a lengthy battle that came down to the final court, with St. Cloud State taking the win 4-3.  

Winona and St. Cloud have been matched up together before. Winona State’s recent loss ended their seven-match win streak against St. Cloud, running from Feb. 26, 2017, to March 18, 2022, where they averaged 4.53 points during the matches.  

WSU earned doubles points, taking over the doubles matches, but SCSU took the No. 3 through No. 6 singles matches to win the contest. Rachel Kelly was up 4-1 in the first set when her opponent retired making her one of two Warriors to win their singles match.  

Beth Murman took her match at the top singles, earned a 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 three-set victory.  

“As a senior, I hope to instill in my younger teammates the importance of giving it your all even when you are tired, have a long day, or simply aren’t playing your best,” Murman said.  

Winona State bounced back the next day on Saturday, March 25, against Minnesota Duluth, defeating the Bulldogs in a dominating fashion.  

Winona has played the University of Minnesota Duluth fifteen times and out of those, they have won thirteen. Their first time matching up was April 6, 2009, when they took the win against UMD 6-3. 

WSU swept doubles once again and won five of the six singles positions to the match 6-1.  

Murman went the full length in back-to-back days, again winning a three-set killer. Kelly picked up a straight set-victory at No. 2 singles. Sara Anderson earned a three-set victory at the third singles by scores of 0-6, 7-5 and 6-3.  

First-years Clara Thoemke and Miranda Daulong won at No. 5 and No. 6 singles, to complete the team victory of 6-1.  

“Stepping out onto the court causes a rush of many feelings. Mostly excitement and a little bit of nervousness, but overall, just happiness that I am able to continue the sport I love,” Thoemke said.  

Winona State ended the weekend with 8-5 regular season and 5-2 NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference). They are set to host Sioux Falls and Augustana on April 7 and 8 at the Winona Tennis Center.