MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Carleton College women’s tennis team lost for the first time in 2013 after dropping a 7-0 decision to the University of Minnesota, the No. 62-ranked Division I program.
This was the sixth time in as many seasons that Knights head coach Luciano Battaglini, a former assistant coach for the Golden Gophers, has been able to arrange this unique opportunity for his squad. Carleton, ranked No. 30 among Division III programs, played two levels up, a move that prepares the Knights well for the upcoming portions of their schedule.
The Golden Gophers opened the day with a 7-0 triumph over the University of Northern Iowa before improving to 13-0 all-time against Carleton.
Minnesota swept the doubles portion of the contest—at the Division I level, the squad that wins the majority of doubles gets a point in the team standings—before posting straight-set wins in each singles match.
First-years Mikayla Becich (Bradfordwoods, Pa./North Allegheny) and Grace Davis (Neenah, Wis./Neenah) came closest in doubles, eventually falling by an 8-5 margin.
In singles, Becich won five games at third singles as did Claire Spencer (Fy./Newport News, Va./Menchville) at fifth singles.
Carleton will host Saint Mary’s University on Friday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. That match will be played at LifeTime Fitness in Lakeville, Minn.
