Ignited by seniors Caila Criss and Katie Patterson, who recorded a workmanlike 8-2 victory at No. 2 doubles to get things rolling for Colorado College on Wednesday, the Tigers opened a four-match home stretch with a 6-3 victory over Metropolitan State University of Denver at the Burghart Courts.

"Katie and I came out really strong, which helped a lot," Criss said after she and Patterson seized control early with a 3-0 lead in their match. "We really worked on rushing the net and tried to throw them off with different serving formations. It worked out well for us today.

"We had a really big leap out. We faltered a few games. But I think the beginning – those few games we won early – set us up real nice."

It also set CC up for a big team triumph against the Division II Roadrunners, who played shorthanded due to season-ending injuries to three of their top six players. Metro State was forced to default at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles, giving the Tigers a 2-0 advantage right off the bat. "Hats off hats off to them putting up a fight!" said Colorado College head coach Anthony Miller.

After the quick doubles triumph made it 3-0, the threesome of Patterson, Maggie Harwood and Gillian Hyde completed the afternoon with singles wins. Criss dropped a tough three-set decision at No. 4, but Patterson prevailed 6-4, 6-1 at No. 2 and junior Maggie Harwood battled  to a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory at No. 3. In between, freshman Gillian Hyde sealed the verdict with a 6-0, 6-0 thumping at No. 5.

*I thought Katie Patterson had a strong performance," MIller said. "While the score may not indicate it, she was taxed mentally and stayed focused throughout her match."

CC resumes action at 3:30 p.m. Friday, playing host to Colorado Mesa University in the first of three weekend matches at home.


Singles
1. Wanda Holopainen (MS) def. Mary Edman 6-1, 6-2
2. Katie Patterson (CC) def. Cristina Oropeza 6-4, 6-1
3. Maggie Harwood (CC) def. Whitney Vaswig 6-2, 2-6, 6-3
4. Kaitlyn MIller (MS) def. Caila Criss 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
5. Gillian Hyde (CC) def. Becca Medina 6-0, 6-0
6. Colorado College won by default
Doubles
1. Holopainen/Oropeza (MS) def. Edman/Harwood 8-3
2. Criss/Patterson (CC) def. Vaswig/MIller 8-2
3. Colorado College won by default