The University of Minnesota Duluth women's tennis team got its first home win of the season today, taking down the Bemidji State University Beavers, 4-3, at the Duluth Indoor Sports Center.

The Bulldogs took two of three in doubles, with No. 1 doubles pair Sophie Lynch and captain Natalie Cahill taking the only loss, 3-6. No. 2 pair Shay Callaway and Mallory Lithun and No. 3 pair Emily Rahrick and Abby Johnson both pulled out decisive 6-1 victories in their matches.

UMD's singles performance was highlighted by Shay Callaway, who now owns a six-match win streak in singles after beating her opponent 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 5 spot today. Callaway has only lost one singles match all year and moved from the No. 6 to No. 5 spot during the Bulldogs' last match versus the University of Mary. No. 3 Mallory Lithun picked up another singles win for the Bulldogs, defeating her opponent in three sets: 6-3, 3-6, and a dominating 6-1 win in her third set. No. 6 Thiner picked up the third win for the Bulldogs in singles, taking a 6-1, 6-1 win. Sophie Lynch (No. 1 singles), Natalie Cahill (No. 2 singles), and Emily Rahrick (No. 4 singles) were unable to put up wins against the Beavers, with Cahill and Rahrick losing in three sets.

Head Coach Jessica Worden was encouraged by her team's improvement coming out of the month-long break: "Today was a great day for the Bulldogs all around! It was fun to see all of our hard work come together during competition. Captain Isabel Thiner really brought out her best today at No. 6 singles. Mallory Lithun at No. 3 singles was a sight to see coming back blazing in the third set. Emily and Natalie had heartbreaking third set losses, with Natalie fighting off eight match points. Today was also our strongest showing at two and three doubles! I am proud of our team and I'm looking forward to our match tomorrow."

Doubles victor Emily Rahrick was proud of her team's effort down the stretch: "Everyone came into today with lots of energy and confidence right off the bat and it really showed. We were zoned in and able to get a huge team win."

The Bulldogs will be back at the Duluth Indoor Sports Center tomorrow to take on the University of Minnesota Crookston at 1:00pm. To see the full 2021 season schedule, click here.