The University of Minnesota Duluth tennis program made its 2025 debut Saturday night by prevailing 4-3 over Bemidji State University and posting a 5-2 victory over the College of St. Scholastica at the Duluth Indoor Sports Center.
The Bulldogs dominated singles play in the first match against Bemidji State. UMD grabbed four points right off the bat with freshman Sydney Friedrich (No. 3), senior Olivia Honsey (No. 4), junior Lilly Nelson (No. 5) and junior Brynne Folden (No. 6) each winning their matches. The Beavers nabbed the lone doubles point, winning two of out of three matches. Freshman Olivia Gorton and sophomore Courtney Eppen took down Valesa Rodrigues and Ana Lucía Ibáñez (6-4) in doubles competiton.
"We all are so glad to be back on the court and see all of our off-season work pay off," said Nelson. "I am so proud of my teammates for getting the win today, and I am so excited to see what we accomplish this season. We're off to a good start."
Against the cross-town rival, UMD reeled off another four points. Luana da Silva (No. 1), freshman Isabelle Simon (No. 4), Gorton (No. 5), and Honsey (No. 6) were able to fire off victories with five of the six single matches going the distance with tiebreakers -- UMD won four of the five. Honsey was the lone Bulldog to capture a straight-set win and finished the day 2-0.
In doubles action, the Bulldogs gained the additional point with Folden/Nelson and Eppen/Simon taking down the Saints to start the season 2-0.
Newcomer da Silva, an NSIC Player to Watch representative, took home her first No. 1 singles win after joining the Bulldogs from Carthage College.
"Today's matches were a great way to start our season," said da Silva. "We all fought hard and it was great to see everyone in action. This was a great way to see how good we all did and what we still need to improve on. I had a great time out in the court and I am so excited for the rest of the season."
Friedrich, Simon, Gorton each grabbed their first collegiate wins.
"Great first win as a Bulldog. I'm so excited for the rest of the season with these wonderful girls," said Friedrich.
The Bulldogs will return back to the DISC for an exhibition match tomorrow against St. Catherine Univeristy at 11 a.m.
