WACONIA, Minn. – For the Yellowjacket women's tennis team, for intents and purposes, they are in the post-season.
Entering play Friday, the Yellowjackets were firmly entrenched in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) top three and still have a shot at claiming the top seed in the North Division, but with four matches to play over the next three days, anything can happen with regard to the standings.
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The Yellowjackets took the first step in securing their place in the North Division's top four and advancing to the conference tournament, with a strong 9-0 win over Crown College Friday at Waconia High School.
It's the second time this season the Yellowjackets (8-11, 5-2 UMAC) have pitched the 9-0 shutout of the Polars, matching the effort they put in March 25 at Lydia Thering Fieldhouse.
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The pairing of
Brooke Wilfong (St. Cloud, Minn./St. Cloud Tech) and
Daylyn Drew (Negaunee, Mich./Negaunee) got things started for the Yellowjackets Friday, winning easily at No. 2 doubles over Ella Hosmer and Alora DeVries, 8-0.
Andreina Tejada (Quito, Ecuador/Isaac Newton) and
Courtney Brandt (Grand Rapids, Minn./Grand Rapids Senior) won at No. 1 doubles, 8-3 over Crown's Annie Doyle and Jaidence Medina. The 'Jackets completed the sweep at No. 3 doubles when
Shelby Hanson (Albert Lea, Minn./Albert Lea Senior) and
Sarah Benson (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior) beat Amanda Helser and Cassie Young 8-2.
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The win at No. 3 doubles was the first collegiate victory for Benson.
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Things were equally as impressive in singles play for the Yellowjackets.
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Playing at No. 3 singles for the first time in 2023,
Jessi Kukowski (Duluth, Minn./Hermantown) put the Yellowjackets ahead 4-0 with a clean 6-0, 6-0 win over Lauren Blees. The Yellowjackets clinched the Friday victory at No. 1 singles, as Tejada defeated Doyle 6-1, 6-0.
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At No. 6 singles, freshman
Hailey Bault (Saukville, Wis./Grafton Senior) earned her first collegiate win Friday, defeating Crown's Young 6-2, 6-0. Drew, who has been strong in doubles play throughout the season, evened her singles record for the year at 3-3, defeating Crown's DeVries at No. 4 singles, 6-0, 6-0.
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Marina Dostal (Cloquet, Minn./Cloquet Senior) picked up her fourth win of the year, getting the victory at No. 2 singles, 6-1, 6-1 over Crown's Medina.
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Closing out the day for the Yellowjackets was freshman
Callie Holmlund (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior). The Superior native earned her first win of her career at No. 5 singles, defeating Helser 6-2, 6-2.
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Next up for the Yellowjackets is a doubleheader Saturday. The Yellowjackets will take on Martin Luther at 11 a.m. and Bethany Lutheran at 4 p.m. Both matches will be played at the Swanson Tennis Center, on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College.
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