Kari Gibb/MDN Minot North sophomore Addy Clark returns a volley in No. 1 doubles play against Bismarck St. Mary’s

In a historic, first ever meeting between the Minot North and Bismarck St. Mary’s tennis teams, the Saints, who have been around since 1916 and are ranked fifth in the Western Dakota Association (WDA) standings, were more than the young Sentinels team could contend with, posting the 9-0 team win.

“Starting a program has its challenges,” said Minot North girls head tennis coach Gwen Mathews. “I am very proud of the team we have.”

Kennedy Mertz defeated Addy Clark at No. 1 singles, 6-2, 6-4. Abby Mullally knocked off Emersyn Kopp at No. 2 singles, 6-0, 6-0. At No. 3 singles Naomi Schuh beat Kate Weishaar, 6-0, 6-3 and Lucy Baumgartner defeated Madi Harris at No. 4 singles 6-3, 6-2. Demi Black beat Zoe Bahr at No. 5 singles 6-4, 6-2. No. 6 singles saw Abby Bohl defeat Leiah Rojas 6-4, 6-2.

St. Mary’s swept both doubles matches before illness caused the No. 3 doubles match to be forfeited by Minot North. Kennedy and Black beat Clark-Harris 6-3, 6-0 at No.1 doubles and the team of Mullally and Baumgartner defeated Weishaar-Kopp, 6-3, 6-1

“I really do feel like we are improving,” said Mathews. “As a team that has some very competitive people, it is hard to lose so much, but we just continue to remind them that we don’t graduate anyone for another two years.”

Minot North has three final road matches on the season. The Sentinels will be at Bismarck Century on Tuesday, May 7, followed by a road trip to Jamestown on Monday, May 13 and the final match on Tuesday, May 14 in Williston.

“We take little wins from each match,” said Mathews. “We hope that this year and in the future we can turn those little wins into big wins.”

Thursday’s match concluded Minot North’s home schedule. Next up for the Sentinels is a trip to Bismarck Century on Tuesday, May 7, at 4:15 p.m.