Doubles partners Claire Elkin and Brittany Alexander continued their undefeated season as the St. Thomas women’s tennis team blanked Northwestern College 9-0 Tuesday at home.

The Tommies (3-0, 1-0) came off of a three-match winning streak to start their spring season.

Elkin and Alexander are part of the depth that gives the Tommies their strong doubles teams.

“With the new freshmen, we have such a stronger ability in doubles this year,” Elkin said.

Alexander and Elkin played No. 3 doubles against Northwestern and won their match 8-2.

“Part of what really helped us is eye formation. When Claire serves and I’m at the net, it’s the strongest because Claire has such a strong serve and she sets up an easy next shot,” Alexander said.

Coach Terry Peck said the women have worked hard on their vollies and positioning the last few days in practice.

“The women really brought it tonight,” Peck said. “Our second doubles, I don’t think they missed a volley the entire match and so that’s really good when you kind of see a game plan come together,” Peck said.

The Tommies’ dominance didn’t end at doubles. Freshman Shelby Henderson is the No. 1 singles player so far this season. Henderson won her match 6-1, 6-1, despite the intimidating circumstances of playing in the No. 1 position.

“Playing one is a little nerve wracking, but now that I know I proved I can do it, so it’ll be easier next time I think,” Henderson said.

Elkin and Peck are in agreement with who will be this season’s top competitors, however Peck isn’t intimidated by tough contenders.

“Carleton is very good and then there’s Gustavus, but we’re right there with them,” Peck said. “I think we have the most potential of all of those teams. I’m looking forward to where we’re going to be in the future.”

The Tommies’ next match will be away to face St. Cloud State March 2.

Anne Becken can be reached at beck9626@stthomas.edu.