CRETE, Neb. – College of Saint Mary's remarkable early-season run on the tennis courts continued on Sunday, as the Flames pulled out a dramatic 4-3 nonconference victory over Baker (Kan.) University at Doane University.

After surrendering the doubles point, CSM needed to win four of the six singles matches to get the victory. And they did it in dramatic fashion, with Callista Uchil picking up the fourth and clinching win in a third-set tiebreaker over Laura Cabello Aguilera 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 1-0 (10-6) at No. 1.

The dual victory runs the Flames' record this season to 5-0. They did it with assistant coach Rachel Southard assuming the head-coaching duties for the day, as head coach Mike Johnson was forced to miss due to a family matter.

"Callista delivered a huge win at No. 1 singles, closing it out in a third-set tiebreak to secure the match for the team," Johnson said. "After dropping the doubles point, this team responded the right way—competing hard and finding four singles wins to take the match. Today's match brought a high-energy and challenging environment. Our players handled it with composure and focus, which was great to see."

The other singles wins came from Yana Gupta at No. 4, Carolyna Truong at No. 5 and Darece Van Auken at No. 6. Gupta pulled out a 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 (11-9) win over Michel Perez Sandoval. Truong beat Sophie Scrimsher 6-3, 6-1, and Van Auken got past Emma Cain 6-2, 6-3.

Johnson said the Flames have done an outstanding job this season handling all of the variables that come with the sport.

 "College tennis comes with different atmospheres,'' he said. "While we may not always have the larger crowd, our team continues to learn how to compete through that and stay locked in. The best way to quiet a tough crowd is simple—keep winning points and keep your head high."

In the other two singles matches, Arizbe Espinosa of Baker beat Iyaanah Pardiwalla 6-4, 6-2 at No. 2, and Dayna Steadman of Baker beat Noel Moreno 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) at No. 3.

In doubles play, Cabello Aguilera and Espinosa of Baker beat Uchil and Moreno 7-5 at No. 1; Steadman and Perez Sandoval of Baker defeated Truong and Pardiwalla 7-6 (8-6) at No. 2; and Abrianna Reynosa and Gupta of CSM downed Cain and Scrimsher 7-6 (7-2) at No. 3.

However, the Flames again had the final word to remain perfect on the season.

"Winning 4–3 after losing the doubles point is never easy,'' Johnson said. "This was a complete team effort and a strong step forward for us."

The Flames are back in action on April 1 with a 4 p.m. GPAC match at Doane University in Crete, Neb.