CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park University women's tennis team opened its 2026-27 season Saturday morning at River Park, falling 4-3 to Carthage College in a tightly contested College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) matchup.
The Vikings battled throughout the afternoon and kept the dual within reach until the final singles matches. After Carthage secured the doubles point, North Park responded with three singles victories but came up just short in the season opener.
Carthage claimed the early 1-0 advantage after sweeping doubles action. At No. 1 doubles, Tyra Olsson and Alexandra Pugachova fell 6-4, while Isabelle Richter and Katharina Schuler were edged 7-5 at No. 2 doubles. Jessica Dudas and Nova Mickelsson pushed their match to a tiebreak before dropping a 7-6 (7-3) decision at No. 3 doubles.
North Park answered in singles play behind a strong performance from Alexandra Pugachova at No. 1 singles. The sophomore earned the Vikings' first point of the season with a 6-3, 6-1 victory.
The Vikings tied the match at 2-2 when Katharina Schuler delivered a straight-set win at No. 3 singles, defeating Greta Peterson 6-2, 6-3.
After Carthage regained the lead with victories at No. 2 and No. 5 singles, North Park continued to fight. Thea Gifvars closed the afternoon with a 6-2, 7-5 win at No. 6 singles to account for the Vikings' third point of the match.
North Park showed resilience throughout the contest, claiming three singles victories and competing closely against a conference opponent in its first match of the season.
North Park Singles Winners
What's Next?
North Park (0-1) hosts Illinois Tech on Saturday, September 5, back at River Park Courts. First serve against the Scarlet Hawks is set for 10:00 AM CT.
