Friday, September 25
San Luis Obispo, CA
Saint Mary's College of California
at
Cal Poly Invitational
Photo by: Robert Kuwada
WTEN | Nelson Goes Unbeaten in Singles Play in SMC Debut at Cal Poly Invitational
9/29/2026 10:30:00 AM | Women's Tennis
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Saint Mary's women's tennis team opened the 2026-27 season at the Cal Poly Invitational over the weekend, highlighted by a perfect 3-0 singles performance from senior Priya Nelson and five Gaels making their Gael debuts.Â
HOW IT HAPPENED
Nelson led the way for the Gaels picking up singles victories over Natalie Lynch (Cal Poly), Milena Maiorova (Fresno State), and Angelina Hug (Gonzaga) and dropping just one set across the three matches. Redshirt junior Sofia Daryaie also went unbeaten in singles action with a 2-0 record, while freshman Mahi Khore and senior Elif Tuana Gunal both went 2-1 in singles play.
In doubles play, Nelson added two more victories to her strong weekend, finishing 2-1 alongside freshman Stella Remander. Partners Daryaie and Khore followed, going 1-2 in doubles action. The weekend also marked the Saint Mary's debuts of Nelson, Remander, Khore, Kei Kato, and Mina Koloski.Â
"This weekend gave us valuable reps against quality opponents and a chance to see our newcomers compete," said head coach Katharina Winterhalter. "We learned a lot, and with about ten days until the ITA Northwest Regional Championships, we're excited to get back to work and keep building."
Full weekend results can be found HERE.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saint Mary's will return to action at the ITA Northwest Regional Championships starting on October 8. Additional tournament information and scoring links can be found at smcgaels.com.
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.Â
#GaelsRise
HOW IT HAPPENED
Nelson led the way for the Gaels picking up singles victories over Natalie Lynch (Cal Poly), Milena Maiorova (Fresno State), and Angelina Hug (Gonzaga) and dropping just one set across the three matches. Redshirt junior Sofia Daryaie also went unbeaten in singles action with a 2-0 record, while freshman Mahi Khore and senior Elif Tuana Gunal both went 2-1 in singles play.
In doubles play, Nelson added two more victories to her strong weekend, finishing 2-1 alongside freshman Stella Remander. Partners Daryaie and Khore followed, going 1-2 in doubles action. The weekend also marked the Saint Mary's debuts of Nelson, Remander, Khore, Kei Kato, and Mina Koloski.Â
"This weekend gave us valuable reps against quality opponents and a chance to see our newcomers compete," said head coach Katharina Winterhalter. "We learned a lot, and with about ten days until the ITA Northwest Regional Championships, we're excited to get back to work and keep building."
Full weekend results can be found HERE.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saint Mary's will return to action at the ITA Northwest Regional Championships starting on October 8. Additional tournament information and scoring links can be found at smcgaels.com.
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.Â
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
Monday, September 28
Saturday, September 26
Saturday, September 26
Saturday, September 26
