Wisconsin women's tennis hits best start since 1992 after dual 7-0 wins

Wisconsin women's tennis players will enter the new year with a perfect season record after sweeping two opponents on Saturday with identical 7-0 scores. The Badgers defeated Bradley in the first match and Green Bay in the second, improving their overall mark to 6-0.

This result marks the best start to a season for the program since 1992. The dominance was evident in the second match, where Green Bay fielded only five players and failed to drop a set against the Badgers. Wisconsin established control early in doubles, with freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau 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.

The singles competition saw no Wisconsin player lose a set. Keberle won her first singles match against Tebon 6-1, 6-1, extending her personal unbeaten streak in both singles and doubles to a combined 7-0. Rompf beat Piaskowski 6-3, 6-1, while Michelle Linden defeated Sterre Tijssens 6-1, 6-0. Pick shut out Neff 6-0, 6-0, and Christina Zordani beat Pedersen 6-0, 6-1 to improve her own singles record to 5-0 for the season.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the performance to the team's management of controllable factors. She stated that the players did a great job with their attitude, effort, and energy, noting that these three elements are extremely important to the team's success. McKenna emphasized the need to concentrate on the little things in practice, including daily drills and match simulations, to ensure readiness for the upcoming season.

Despite the flawless results, McKenna identified specific areas for improvement, particularly in doubles. She said the team needs to clean up serves and returns to ensure they are the first to be aggressive and hit their spots on service plays. McKenna added that the team must carry momentum from a winning doubles point into singles by playing grittily and avoiding free points for the opponent.

The Badgers will next compete from Feb. 9 to 12 when they host the National Team Indoor Championship. The team will look to extend its unbeaten start during that event and the remainder of the spring season.