The Winona State University tennis team earned a 2-1 record to conclude their 2023 spring break trip with matches Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9, falling to nationally-ranked University of Tampa 6-1, defeating California (PA) 4-3 and losing to Michigan Tech, 7-0.

University of Tampa 6, Winona State 1

Against #16th-ranked Tampa, Winona State dropped each of the doubles levels, allowing the Spartans to claim a 1-0 lead.  The No. 1 doubles pairing of Beth Murman and Sara Anderson fell 6-3, Ally Burger and Rachel Kelly were dealt a 6-1 setback at No. 2 doubles and No. 3 doubles saw Clara Thoemke and Maddie Moe fall 6-0. 

In singles play, Winona State's Ally Burger rallied to defeat Tal Zinn 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (11-9) to avoid the sweep for the Warriors. Beth Murman fell 6-1. 6-2 to Raquel Amaro in No. 1 singles and Rachel Kelly lost 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 2 singles slot. 

The No. 4 singles matchup saw Winona State's Maddie Moe fall 6-0, 6-0 while Warrior teammate Miranda Daulong was dealt a 6-0, 6-1 loss in No. 6 singles. 

Winona State 4, California (Pa.) 3

In the second match of the day, Winona State claimed wins at all three doubles levels to open their match against California (PA) with a 1-0 advantage. 

Ally Burger continued her strong day with a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles, going undefeated in singles play on the day. Wins at No. 2 singles by Rachel Kelly (6-0, 6-2) and No. 6 singles by Miranda Daulong (6-3, 6-1) to claim the four points needed for the victory. California (PA) would go on to win at No. 1, No. 3, and No. 4 singles but Winona State claimed the close, 4-3 victory. 

Michigan Tech 7, Winona State 0

In the fifth and final match of the Warrior's spring break trip, Michigan Tech downed Winona State 7-0 in the first-ever meeting between the schools. 

A pair of tie-breaker points in singles play did not go the Warrior's way and the Huskies claimed the doubles point in dealing Winona State the shutout loss.  MTU beat Winona State 6-3 at No. 1 singles and 6-2 at both the No. 2 and No. 3 slots. 

In singles play, Beth Murman (No. 1 singles) and Rachel Kelly (No. 2 singles) both forced an extra frame in their matches before falling. Michigan Tech won at No. 3 singles (6-1, 6-3), and No. 4 singles (6-0, 6-0), beating Maddie Moe and Ally Burger, respectively. 

In No. 5 singles, Miranda Daulong lost 6-4, 6-2 and Clara Thoemke fell at No. 6 singles, 6-1, 6-0. 

Winona State is next in action on Friday, March 17, and Sunday, March 19 in the Winona Tennis Center. WSU and the Mavericks are scheduled for a 6 p.m. start time on Friday, while the SMSU - WSU match will be at 1:30 pm on Sunday. 


  Read Full Article