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Cardinals cruise past MSU-Moorhead for first win of the season
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Now that's more like it.
After opening the season with a disappointing 8-1 loss to MIAC power Carleton, the Saint Mary's University women's tennis team bounced back and took out their frustrations on MSU-Moorhead Friday evening, as the Cardinals cruised to a 7-2 nonconference win.
"The Carleton match was a tough one to start the year, but I was proud of the way the ladies bounced back and stepped their games up a bit today," said SMU coach Jeff Halberg. "It's always nice to get that first win under out belts — especially for our younger players.
"That first win of the season is always a little special."
SMU picked up wins in five of the six singles matches, as Shannon Cooney (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Ann Leeder (Greenfield, Wis.), Val Meschke (Pine River, Minn.), Aubrey Hirsch (Topeka Kan.) and Abby Cooper (La Crosse, Wis.) were all victorious. Leeder needed three sets to post her 5-7, 6-1, 10-8 win at No. 2, while Courtney Spartz (Western Springs, Ill.) fell in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 10-8, at No. 6.
Meschke, who picked up SMU's lone win vs. Carleton in the season-opener, teamed up with Toni Troumbly (Bovey, Minn.) for an 8-3 win at No. 3 doubles, while Cooney and Cooper with 8-2 winners at No. 2 doubles.
"I'm very happy with the way we performed today," said Halberg. "Everyone played very well — it was a good team win."