MATCH ONE RESULTS | MATCH TWO RESULTS
BISMARCK, N.D. - No. 38 Augustana took their undefeated record on the road for the first time since Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference competition began this season and they left Bismarck with two more wins and a perfect 4-0 record in NSIC play. The Vikings took down Minnesota State 9-0 in the 9 a.m. match then halted University of Mary's upset bid with an 8-1 win in the afternoon contest.
The Vikings now own a 5-0 record on the season with a 4-0 NSIC mark, extending the regular-season conference winning streak to 47 matches without a loss.
Augustana 9, Minnesota State 0
In the first of their two matches, the Vikings handled the Mavericks with ease, posting their fourth straight shutout win to start the season. Starting with doubles, the Vikings built a 3-0 lead, surrendering just four games in the first three matches.
Katie Jesperson and
Jessa Richards proved their No. 2 region doubles ranking with a commanding 8-0 win at No. 1 doubles then
Christine Olivo and
Heather Sullivan dispatched their No. 2 doubles opponents by an 8-3 margin.
Jenna Helleberg and
Meredith Lawrence gave the Vikings the doubles sweep with an 8-1 win at the third doubles flight.
Jesperson then started the Vikings on their quest for a singles sweep, winning 6-0, 4-1 at the top spot. Richards secured the win for the Vikings with a 6-2, 6-0 straight-set win and
Francesca Beg took her No. 3 singles match by the same score.
At No. 4, Olivo posted her fourth win of the year, a 6-1, 6-1 win.
Liz Lewis then put the finishing touches on the victory, winning 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 5 singles spot. Minnesota State did not field a player in the No. 6 singles spot.
Augustana 8, U-Mary 1
For the second consecutive year, Augustana defeated the University of Mary by the score of 8-1, snapping the Viking streak of 9-0 wins to open the season. And just like last year, the Marauders staved off a shutout with a doubles win.
Jesperson and Richards again cruised in their No. 1 doubles match, notching their fourth 8-0 win of the season. Olivo and Sullivan suffered their first loss of the season in the second doubles flight, falling 8-6. Helleberg and Lawrence ensured a lead before doubles play with their 8-2 win at No. 3 doubles.
The Vikings then dominated singles action with each Augustana player taking their matches in straight sets. Jesperson rolled at No. 1, winning 6-2, 6-1 and Richards was presented a challenge at No. 2 by Hallie Welk, but the sophomore and reigning NSIC player of the week came away with a 6-3, 6-4 win.
Beg finished the day with a 2-0 mark winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2 in her No. 3 singles match. Helleberg slid up one spot to No. 4 singles and earned a 6-2, 6-1 win. Lawrence played her first singles match of the spring season and didn't disappoint with a 6-0, 6-0 victory.
Sullivan then won the eighth Viking match of the day in straight-set fashion, taking the No. 6 singles match 6-2, 6-0.
Augustana returns home to take on Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston. The Vikings take on SMSU on Friday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and then UMC on Sunday, Feb. 23 at a.m. with both matches being held at Sioux Empire Fitness.
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