The pairing of senior Kara Lefsrud and junior Bridget Noack has been monumental for the St. Thomas women’s tennis team the past three years.

Over that stretch, the duo has chalked up more than 31 victories, along with All-Conference and All-America honors. Coach Terry Peck said Noack and Lefsrud set a model for success.

“It establishes that any one of them can step up and accomplish the same thing,” Peck said. “It sort of sets a standard for anyone to do that, and they also know that they have players on their team that can compete with anybody in the Midwest and nationals.”

Lefsrud and Noack became partners during Noack’s freshman year, but the alliance wasn’t formed immediately. Noack tested the waters with other partners until Peck decided to group the sophomore and the freshman together. Peck said instinct played a role in his decision to pair Noack and Lefsrud.

“I thought they’d make a good team together, and sometimes at the beginning I’ll pair two people that kind of like each other, and they’ll go out and practice well together,” Peck said.

Both Lefsrud and Noack agree with Peck and said they connected with each other on the first day.

“I definitely would say that we connected right off the bat,” Lefsrud said. “We have really similar personalities off the court.”

“We had a lot of help from the beginning with (Peck) telling us to loosen up and have fun, so we do and that’s when we play our best,” Noack said.

Noack said her favorite part about Lefsrud’s game is the motivation she provides.

“She’s serious but also keeps me going if I get down and vice versa,” Noack said. “It really helps to have that person that’s there with you.”

Lefsrud said that even in their third season as a doubles team, Noack continues to surprise her.

“Sometimes I’ll look back at her and be like ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you just hit that,’” Lefsrud said. “She’s got a great serve … Just an overall great attitude. She’s never gets down. She’s very helpful as a partner.”

So far this season, the Tommies are 13-1, remain undefeated in MIAC play and aim for a conference championship. This will be Lefsrud’s final season, but the senior said the pair’s friendship will continue after this year.

“After I graduate, I think Bridget and I will stay very good friends, maybe occasionally play tennis together, but it’s definitely a connection that will continue forever,” Lefsrud said. “It’s just a very special friendship that we have.”

Jesse Krull can be reached at krul7386@stthomas.edu.