Shelby Henderson, Bridget Noack and Kara Lefsrud swept their doubles and singles matches, headlining the St. Thomas women’s tennis team’s 7-2 victory against Bethel Saturday at the University of Minnesota for the Tommies’ first MIAC match-up of the season.

For the St. Thomas tennis program (2-0 overall, 1-0 MIAC), a successful season is already in the making with returning leadership from Brian McCarthy and Brittany Alexander.

McCarthy has one last opportunity to compete as a Tommie. The 2012 All-MIAC doubles and singles player said he plans on making his last season one to remember.

“I want to make it the best season possible,” McCarthy said. “It means a lot so I really want to do my best and go out there to win every match.”

On Feb. 2, the men and women started with statement victories. Both teams dominated competition; the men defeated Wisconsin-La Crosse 9-0 and the women downed Division II Upper Iowa 5-0.

In the 2013 MIAC preseason coaches poll, the men’s and and women’s teams were ranked within the top three spots. Pulling in behind No. 1-ranked Gustavus and No. 2-ranked Carleton, the men’s team fell into the third spot, trailing by nine points. The women tied Gustavus with a No. 2 ranking, which let Carleton clinch the top spot in the conference.

Alexander, who was named an All-MIAC doubles player last season, said her team’s high ranking is a great way to start the season.

“To be tied with Gustavus is a huge accomplishment,” Alexander said. “It makes us know going into that Gustavus match, we’re going to be super competitive and be right there with them.”

Coach Terry Peck said both the teams’ high rankings shows the program’s consistency.

“Most of the players don’t want to quit, they don’t want to step back, so they step it up,” Peck said. “They’re having a good time, and there’s good team spirit considering that it is competitive.”

Henderson said the new recruits will help St. Thomas achieve success this season.

“We’re really strong players,” Henderson said. “I think we actually have a good shot.”

Peck wants to achieve success in the conference, but at the same time enjoy the ride.

“My goal every year is to win the MIAC and get recognition,” Peck said. “It’s very difficult because we’re one of the top-three tennis conferences in the country. It’s tough, but it’s doable.”

McCarthy said the teams to beat in the MIAC for the men are two that remain on top year-to-year.

“Every single year it’s Gustavus and Carleton,” McCarthy said. “Another close match that we want to get revenge on is St. Olaf.”

For Alexander, the women’s competition is looking similar to the men’s.

“Carleton’s really good,” Alexander said. “Gustavus had always been a big powerhouse and then just last year Carleton stepped up and started winning and beating them.”

Peck said his goal to win the MIAC isn’t out of reach.

“We have one of our strongest teams, but we’re young,” Peck said. “I think within a year or two we should be at the top in the Midwest.”

Sean Crotty can be reached at crot0230@stthomas.edu.