The Lawrence women’s tennis team headed into the weekend looking to earn a trip to nationals. After one of the most successful seasons in Viking history, going 4-0 in conference and putting an end to Grinnell’s five-year-long winning streak, the Vikings were primed as a team to continue their success.
Friday started with the team tournament, and the Vikings, winners of the North Division, opened up play against Monmouth College. The Vikings took a quick 2-1 lead after the doubles sets against Monmouth, with the team of freshman Elizabeth Larson and senior Lisa Ritland and the team of seniors Emily Dalton and Emma Kent earning victories at no. 1 and no. 3 doubles. Larson, senior Hanah McCarthy and freshman Kat Valde closed out the 5-1 victory with singles victories.
In the finals, the rematch that everyone was waiting for played out — Grinnell vs. Lawrence — with each team seeking a berth in the national tournament.
It proved to be a tough match this time around, and Grinnell managed to take the match 5-1. The doubles matches were all close, as McCarthy and her doubles partner senior Tara Lahtinen fell in three sets.
Larson defeated Toby Cain 6-2, 6-0 earning the team’s only point. Though a trip to nationals was not gained, the Lady Vikes headed into the rest of the doubles and singles play with confidence.
The doubles tournament was a huge success for the Lady Vikings, as the no. 3 doubles team of Kent and Dalton defeated Carroll, St. Norbert and Grinnell to take the title.
McCarthy and Lahtinen fell to Grinnell 6-1, 6-3 in the championship match. Larson and Ritland won the back draw after falling in the first round of the no. 1 doubles fight.
Lawrence had another great showing in singles Sunday. Larson dominated at no. 1, taking the title 6-3, 6-2 by defeating Hannah Perwin from Beloit College.
Joining Larson in victory was Kent at no. 6 singles, who defeated Curran Johnson 6-4, 5-7, 6-1. Ritland fell to Katie Clover from Grinnell in the finals to take second place at no. 3 singles.
After a long weekend of tennis, the Lady Vikings should be nothing but proud. This season was unbelievable for them, and their results prove it. Led by a combination of experience and youth, the Lady Vikings finished the season with a 13-5 overall record (4-0 MWC).
Tennis finishes season
