Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (May 12, 2022) - Winning their first-ever match in the NCAA Tournament, the North Central College women's tennis team rolled to a 5-0 victory over Franciscan University (Ohio) on Thursday afternoon.

Natalie Bassett and Kaeli Smashey picked up the first win of the day for the Cardinals as they beat Zoey Stapleton and Haley Davinsizer, 8-0. Earning the win at No. 3 doubles, Mikayla Edquiban and Sydney Sawyer cruised to an 8-1 win before Alaina Kanthaphixay and Hannah Hougland secured a hard-fought 8-6 win at No. 1 doubles.

Needing only two wins to clinch the team victory, Edquiban did not lose a point on her way to a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 5 singles. Locking up the win for North Central, Hougland won 6-1, 6-1 in the No. 2 spot. All six of the Cardinals won their first set before the clinch.

The Cardinals now take on No. 5 Middlebury University at 12 PM (ET) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The match will be played at Alpha Tennis and Fitness in Pittsburgh.

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