FARGO, N.D. - MSU Moorhead tennis began their 2023 campaign with a 7-0 victory over Concordia College. The Dragons swept every singles match and two of the doubles matches.
 
The win is Alexis Konecne's first of her coaching career.

"I was very proud of how we started this season," Konecne said post-match. "There were definitely some nerves at the start of the match but everyone battled through and put on a great performance."

The match opened with doubles play as MSUM would win two of three matches to nab the team point. The team of Madison Bell and freshman Tiannah Gu looked sharp in their match, shaking off a slow start to win 6-3. Shaelyn Johnson and Tia Dykema would control the middle court by beating Concordia's Lizzie Allan and Anna Hacker 6-1. 

In number one singles, Shaelyn Johnson showcased why she was listed as MSUM's player to watch this preseason. The junior topped Concordia senior Raquel Egge in straight sets in dominating fashion. Johnson began 2023 not surrendering a set point to Egge. Tiannah Gu would follow suit with a straight set win along with Marissa Burian and Claire Nemmers. Tia Dykema would work through a tiebreaker in the first set to cruise to a straight set victory. Dykema won the second set 6-1 over Concordia's Anna Hacker. 

Madison Bell closed the evening strong with a three-set win over Concordia's Erin Borchard. Bell overcame some early frustrations to power back into the match for the win.
 
Dragons 7, Cobbers 0
 
Singles
No. 1 – Shaelyn Johnson def. Raquel Egge - 6-0, 6-0
No. 2 – Tiannah Gu def. Mary Skorich - 6-2, 6-1
No. 3 – Tia Dykema def. Anna Hacker - 7-6 (5), 6-1
No. 4 – Marissa Burian def. Emily Savageau - 6-2, 6-2
No. 5 – Claire Nemmers def. Lizzie Allen - 6-3, 6-4
No. 6 - Madison Bell def. Erin Borchard - 2-6, 6-3, 10-7
 
Doubles
No. 1 – Tiannah Gu/Madison Bell def. Raquel Egge/Mary Skorich , 6-3
No. 2 – Shaelyn Johnson/Tia Dykema def. Lizzie Allan/Anna Hacker, 6-1
No. 3 – Erin BorchardEmily Savageau def. Claire Nemmers/Marissa Burian, 6-2
 
Up Next
 
MSUM continues their season-opening weekend with a trip to Bismarck for a match against the University of Mary on Sunday. Action from the Mandan Tennis Center is scheduled for 1 p.m.