RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- The Bemidji State University tennis team picked up a pair of nonconference victories Friday in River Falls, Wis. The Beavers defeated University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 8-1, before a win over University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 8-1.

A rare opportunity to take their game outdoors, the Beavers used the wins outside of league play to improve to 8-4 overall to go into spring break having one its last three outings.

BSU opened play with a trio of victories in doubles play, including an 8-0 win by Sabrina Okeson and Hope Johnson at No. 3 doubles.

The Beavers continued its dominance in singles play, earning straight-sets victories in five of sis matches, dropping only a 7-5, 3-6 (10-6) match by Justine Scheller to Abby Johnson in the No. 5 singles slot.

The Beavers juggled their line up for the afternoon start versus the hosting UW-River Falls team. Senor no. 1 singles player, Shaylin Prout, sat out of the match, but BSU didn't skip a beat, as the team posted an 8-1 victory over the Falcons.

BSU again took a 3-0 lead out of doubles play as Deanie Hatch and Morgan Opp teamed up for an 8-2 win at No. 1 doubles and Claudia Bellew and Breann Walsh posted an 8-1 win at No. 2 before Johnson and Okeson collected a second 8-0 win in the No. 3 slot.

The Beavers rattled off straight-set victories in the top five singles positions, but Jessica Dulz was defeated by Karli Hellend, 8-5, in a superset at No. 6 singles.

BSU will resume action April 2-3 when it travels to Bismarck, N.D. for a pair of NSIC matches. BSU will face Minnesota State University, Moorhead Saturday evening before a Sunday morning match up with the University of Mary.

--bsu--