Badgers Crush Opponents to Extend Season Long Win Streak

Wisconsin’s women’s tennis program extended its flawless season by defeating two opponents in a single day. The Badgers defeated Bradley and then Green Bay with identical 7-0 scores, moving their record to 6-0.

This result marks the best start to a season for the team since 1992. The second match against Green Bay was played with the visitors short-handed, as only five players were available to compete. Despite the reduced roster, Green Bay struggled to keep pace with the dominant Badgers.

The momentum began in the doubles portion of the match. Freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau secured the first point by defeating Theresa Tebon and Tallie Piaskowski 6-1. Sophomore Melissa Pick and freshman Lexi Keberle followed with a 6-0 victory over Maria Neff and Samm Pedersen, setting the stage for the singles competition.

No Wisconsin player dropped a set during the singles matches. Keberle, competing at first singles, defeated Tebon 6-1 and 6-1. This victory extended her personal streak, giving her a combined record of 7-0 in both singles and doubles.

Rompf won the second singles match against Piaskowski with scores of 6-3 and 6-1. Michelle Linden contributed a win at third singles against Sterre Tijssens, 6-1 and 6-0. Pick completed a shutout of Neff 6-0 and 6-0, while Christina Zordani defeated Pedersen 6-0 and 6-1 to improve her singles record to 5-0 for the season.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the strong performance to the team’s focus on controllable factors. She noted that the players did an excellent job managing their attitude, effort, and energy. McKenna emphasized that these three elements are critical to the team's ongoing success.

To maintain this level of play, McKenna said the squad must concentrate on the details in daily practice. The team is working on match simulations to ensure they are ready for the upcoming National Indoors and the remainder of the spring season. The coach also identified areas for improvement, specifically in doubles, where the team needs to be more aggressive with serves and returns.

McKenna added that the team must protect its lead when entering singles with a doubles point. She stressed the importance of carrying momentum and avoiding free points to remain gritty. The Badgers will have the chance to extend their unbeaten record when they host the National Team Indoor Championship from Feb. 9 to 12.