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.
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.
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.
The win at No. 3 doubles was the first collegiate victory for Benson.
Things were equally as impressive in singles play for the Yellowjackets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
