STORM LAKE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – The cross-state trip for the Duhawks proved to be worth it for Loras as they defeated Buena Vista and Northwestern in match play. Senior Elizabeth Dickhut led the squad at No. 1 singles and doubles, going a perfect 4-0 on the day and was joined by her sister Jessica, who also went a perfect 4-0 at No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles.
 
The Dickhut sister combo kicked off the day for Loras with an 8-2 win over Kassidy Ipsen and Tarynne Kinghorn of Buena Vista. At No. 2 doubles, freshmen Kylie DeWees and Sam Pietruszynski were tripped up by Tasha Nelson and Sam Kavan, 9-8 (8-6). With the Beavers only having four girls on their roster, Loras earned the forfeit victory at No. 3 doubles.
 
At No. 1 singles, Elizabeth Dickhut won in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. DeWees battled valiantly at No. 2 singles, but came up just short, losing 6-1, 7-6 (8-6). Jessica Dickhut defeated Taryanne Kinghorn at No. 3 singles 6-2, 6-0 before senior Caroline Rainey wrapped up the match with a victory at No. 4 singles 6-4, 6-1.
 
With the 7-2 victory over Buena Vista in hand, Loras turned their attention to Northwestern University who they faced in the second match of the day.
 
The Eagles finished their 2014 spring season with an impressive 19-9 overall mark and 9-1 in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.
 
After falling behind at No. 1 and 2 doubles, Loras fought back and swept doubles play in the match. The Dickhut sisters won at No. 1 doubles, 8-6, DeWees and Pietruszynski won at No. 2 doubles, 9-8 (8-6), and Rainey teamed with sophomore Maggie Clements at No. 3 doubles to win 8-4.
 
In singles play, Elizabeth Dickhut came back from a 2-6 opening set to win set two 6-3. In the tiebreaker, Dickhut prevailed, 10-7. The road was a little easier for her sister, Jessica, who defeated Terry Odera at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-3.
 
Due to time constraints, DeWees and Rainey could only play a single set to eight. The time constraint hurt Loras, as they dropped both of the shortened matches. At No. 3 singles, DeWees fell to Daniela Lozano 8-1, and Rainey fell to Val Robinson 8-6.
 
Sophomores Carrie Crabill and Kelsey Woodward wrapped up the victory for Loras at No. 5 and 6 singles. Crabill defeated Hannah Stark 6-4, 6-0, and Woodward defeated Mckayla Johnson 6-2, 6-2.
 
With the two victories, Loras improves to 4-4 on the year and 3-1 in the Iowa Conference. The Duhawks will host Luther on Tuesday. The Norse are perfect so far this season, coming into Tuesday's dual with a 5-0 overall record and 3-0 in the Iowa Conference.