Senior Priya Nelson went 3-0 in singles play as the Saint Mary's women's tennis team opened its 2026-27 season at the Cal Poly Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 27, and Monday, Sept. 28, in San Luis Obispo.
Nelson, one of five players making their Gael debuts, beat Natalie Lynch of Cal Poly, Milena Maiorova of Fresno State and Angelina Hug of Gonzaga. She dropped just one set across the three matches. Nelson also posted a 2-1 doubles record alongside freshman Stella Remander, giving her five wins in six total matches over the two-day event.
Five players made their Saint Mary’s debuts at the invitational: Nelson, Remander, Khore, Kei Kato and Mina Koloski, giving head coach Katharina Winterhalter an early look at several newcomers.
Redshirt junior Sofia Daryaie went unbeaten in singles at 2-0, giving the Gaels a second player without a singles loss on the weekend. Freshman Mahi Khore and senior Elif Tuana Gunal each posted 2-1 singles records against a field that included Cal Poly, Fresno State and Gonzaga players.
Doubles results were more mixed. Nelson and Remander won two of their three doubles matches. Daryaie and Khore paired together but went 1-2 in doubles action.
Winterhalter said the weekend offered a useful early look at her newcomers.
"This weekend gave us valuable reps against quality opponents and a chance to see our newcomers compete," Winterhalter said, according to SMC Athletics. She added that the team has about ten days to prepare for the ITA Northwest Regional Championships and is eager to keep building.
The Gaels next compete at the ITA Northwest Regional Championships beginning Thursday, Oct. 8.
