Badgers Tennis Team Remains Unbeaten After Dominant Weekend

The Wisconsin women's tennis team proved once again that its unbeaten season is no accident, securing a doubleheader victory that leaves the Badgers perfect on the year.

On Saturday, the team swept both matches with identical 7-0 scores. They defeated Bradley in the first contest and then shut out Green Bay in the second. This performance moves the Badgers to a 6-0 record for the season. It marks the best start for the program since 1992. The Green Bay squad was short-handed for their match, fielding only five players. They could not keep pace with the Badgers' consistent performance.

Wisconsin set the tone early in the doubles events. Freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau won their match 6-1 against Theresa Tebon and Tallie Piaskowski. Sophomore Melissa Pick and freshman Lexi Keberle followed with a 6-0 victory over Maria Neff and Samm Pedersen. The momentum from these wins carried directly into the singles matches. No Wisconsin player dropped a single set during the entire doubleheader.

Lexi Keberle, competing at first singles, defeated Tebon in straight sets with scores of 6-1 and 6-1. She remains unbeaten in both singles and doubles, holding a combined record of 7-0. Rompf took the second singles match, beating Piaskowski 6-3 and 6-1. Michelle Linden won at third singles against Sterre Tijssens with scores of 6-1 and 6-0. Pick shut out Neff 6-0 and 6-0. Christina Zordani won at fifth singles, beating Pedersen 6-0 and 6-1 to improve her personal singles record to 5-0 this season.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the success to the team's focus on what they can control. She noted that the players did a great job managing their attitude, effort, and energy. McKenna stated that these three elements are extremely important to the team's success. She emphasized that maintaining this level requires concentrating on the little things during practice. The goal is to ensure everyone manages the details in daily drills and match simulations. This preparation is crucial as the team looks ahead to National Indoors and the rest of the spring season.

Despite the perfect record, McKenna identified specific areas for improvement. She pointed to doubles as a primary focus. The team needs to do a better job cleaning up serves and returns. They must ensure they are the first team to be aggressive. Additionally, they need to hit their spots on service plays. This attention to detail helps establish dominance before the singles matches begin.

The coach also stressed the importance of protecting the lead when the team wins the doubles point. She said the team must carry that momentum into singles. The players need to be gritty and avoid giving away free points. This consistency is key to maintaining their high standard of play throughout the season.

Wisconsin's next scheduled competition is from Feb. 9 to 12. The Badgers will host the National Team Indoor Championship. The team will look to extend its unbeaten start during this event.