Badgers maintain flawless start with dominant doubleheader victory

The Wisconsin women's tennis team entered the fall weekend with a clean slate and left with a commanding victory over two opponents.

The Badgers won both matches of a Saturday doubleheader by identical 7-0 margins. They first defeated Bradley before shutting out Green Bay. These results extend the team's unbeaten streak to 6-0 for the season. It is the best start to a campaign for the program since 1992.

Green Bay faced a significant challenge in the second match as they were short-handed. They had only five players available and struggled to keep pace with the Badgers. The Wisconsin team established dominance early in the doubles events. Freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau defeated Theresa Tebon and Tallie Piaskowski 6-1. Sophomore Melissa Pick and freshman Lexi Keberle followed with a 6-0 win over Maria Neff and Samm Pedersen.

The strong start in doubles translated directly into singles play. No Wisconsin player dropped a single set during the matches. Lexi Keberle competed at first singles and beat Tebon 6-1, 6-1. She remains unbeaten in both singles and doubles, holding a combined record of 7-0 this season.

Rompf secured the second singles point against Piaskowski with a 6-3, 6-1 score. Michelle Linden won at third singles against Sterre Tijssens 6-1, 6-0. Pick completed her day with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Neff. Christina Zordani finished the scoring at fifth singles, beating Pedersen 6-0, 6-1. That win improved her singles record to 5-0 for the season.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the performance to the team's focus on controllable factors. She noted that the players did a great job with their attitude, effort, and energy. McKenna stated that those three elements are extremely important to the team's success.

To maintain this level of play, the coach emphasized the need to concentrate on small details. The team must manage day-to-day drills and match simulations carefully. This preparation is designed to keep them ready for National Indoors and the remainder of the spring season.

McKenna identified specific areas for improvement despite the perfect record, particularly in doubles. She said the team needs to clean up serves and returns. The goal is to ensure they are the first team to be aggressive and hitting their spots on service plays.

The coach also stressed the importance of carrying momentum from doubles into singles. If the team holds the doubles point, she said they must try to be gritty and avoid giving away free points. Wisconsin's next competition is scheduled for Feb. 9-12. The Badgers will host the National Team Indoor Championship and aim to extend their unbeaten start.