Badgers Extend Perfect Season With Sweep

Wisconsin women's tennis remains the team to beat on the national stage after a dominant doubleheader on Saturday.

The Badgers defeated Bradley in the first contest and then shut out Green Bay in the second. Both victories came with identical 7-0 scorelines. This performance extends Wisconsin's unbeaten season record to 6-0.

The win marks the best start to a season for the program since 1992. Green Bay entered the second match short-handed with only five players available. The visitors struggled to keep pace against the high-octane Badgers.

Wisconsin established dominance early in the doubles events. Freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau defeated Theresa Tebon and Tallie Piaskowski with a 6-1 score. Sophomore Melissa Pick and freshman Lexi Keberle followed with a 6-0 win over Maria Neff and Samm Pedersen.

The team carried that momentum into the singles matches. No Wisconsin player dropped a set in either contest. Keberle won at first singles against Tebon by a score of 6-1 and 6-1. She is now unbeaten in both singles and doubles with a combined 7-0 record.

Rompf secured a victory over Piaskowski in the second singles match with scores of 6-3 and 6-1. Michelle Linden won the third singles point against Sterre Tijssens, 6-1 and 6-0. Pick completed a perfect match against Neff with a 6-0 and 6-0 result. Christina Zordani beat Pedersen at fifth singles, 6-0 and 6-1, to improve her season singles record to 5-0.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the success to the team's focus on controllable factors. She stated that the players excelled in attitude, effort, and energy. McKenna noted that these three elements are critical to the program's success.

The coach emphasized the need for consistency in daily preparation. The team must focus on the small details in practice and match simulations. This approach ensures the squad is ready for the National Indoors and the remainder of the spring season.

Despite the perfect record, McKenna identified specific areas for improvement. She pointed to doubles as a key focus for the upcoming weeks. The team needs to refine serves and returns to maintain an aggressive posture. Players must also hit their target spots during service plays.

McKenna highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum from doubles into singles. If the team secures the doubles point, it must carry that energy forward. The goal is to play gritty tennis and avoid giving away free points to opponents.

Wisconsin will look to extend its winning streak in February. The Badgers are scheduled to host the National Team Indoor Championship from Feb. 9 to Feb. 12. The team aims to defend its perfect record on its home court.