ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – When you're hot, you're hot. If the season ended right now, it would still be the best finish ever for North Park women's tennis, who is now 4-1 and third in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) after their 5-4 win over Augustana on Wednesday afternoon. The win over Augustana marks the first time the Chicago Vikings earned the advantage over the Vikings from Rock Island.
North Park started slow trailing in all three doubles matches, seeking their pace and chemistry. However, late-surge wins at #1 doubles of Alexandra Ristfeldt and Katarina Carlberg (8-5) and #3 doubles of Ella Darrow and Carla Cazes (8-4) stole the momentum.
Singles had a better start with many players taking multiple games from Augustana. However, despite a strong showing in a fast-paced match, #1 singles Hanna Zethraeus saw her singles winning streak snapped. #3 singles Katarina Carlberg also showed well, fighting back in the second set to force a third-set tiebreaker. NPU lost its matches at #1, #3, and #6 singles, but #2 singles Ristfeldt (6-0, 6-1) and #5 singles Maddie Starr (6-1, 6-3) earned dominant wins, gaining the upper hand and never looking back.
What's Next?
North Park (7-1, 4-1 CCIW) has by far its most significant test of the season upcoming this Saturday, October 7, hosting reigning league champs North Central (9-0, 5-0 CCIW). First serve will be 10:00 AM CST.
