Badgers Tennis Team Remains Flawless

The Wisconsin women's tennis team demonstrated its dominance on Saturday by securing wins in both matches of a doubleheader. The Badgers defeated Bradley in the first contest and followed that with a shutout of Green Bay. In both instances, the final score was identical at 7-0, allowing the team to maintain a perfect 6-0 record for the current season.

This strong start marks the best beginning to a season for the program since 1992. The victory over Green Bay was facilitated in part by the opponent's limited roster. The visitors fielded only five players for the second match, which left them unable to match the pace and depth of the Badgers lineup.

Wisconsin established early control during the doubles round. Freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau defeated Theresa Tebon and Tallie Piaskowski with a score of 6-1. Following that, sophomore Melissa Pick and freshman Lexi Keberle secured a decisive 6-0 win over Maria Neff and Samm Pedersen.

The momentum from the doubles round translated seamlessly into the singles matches. No player from the Wisconsin side dropped a single set during the competition. Lexi Keberle competed at first singles, where she defeated Tebon with scores of 6-1 and 6-1. Keberle remains unbeaten in both singles and doubles formats, holding a combined season record of 7-0.

MaryAnn Rompf took the second singles match, beating Piaskowski with a 6-3 and 6-1 victory. Michelle Linden secured a win at third singles against Sterre Tijssens, recording scores of 6-1 and 6-0. Melissa Pick also performed well, shutting out Neff with two consecutive 6-0 sets. At fifth singles, Christina Zordani defeated Pedersen 6-0 and 6-1, improving her personal singles record to 5-0 this season.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the team's success to internal factors that the players can directly influence. She noted that the group executed well in the areas of attitude, effort, and energy. McKenna emphasized that these three elements are fundamental to the program's overall success and consistency.

To maintain this level of play, McKenna stated that the team must focus on small details during practice. She highlighted the importance of managing daily drills and match simulations to ensure the squad is prepared for the upcoming National Indoors and the remainder of the spring season.

Despite the perfect record, the coach identified specific areas for improvement, particularly in doubles. McKenna said the team needs to refine its serves and returns to be the first team to play aggressively. She also stressed the need for better precision when hitting targeted spots on service plays.

The coach added that the team must preserve its advantage when entering singles with a lead from doubles. She urged the players to carry that momentum forward and play with grit, ensuring they do not surrender free points to their opponents.

The Badgers are scheduled to host the National Team Indoor Championship from February 9 to 12. The team will look to extend its unbeaten streak during that event, aiming to build on the confidence gained from this weekend's performances.