Wisconsin Tennis Extends Perfect Season Record With 7-0 Doubleheader Sweeps

Wisconsin women's tennis players recorded two consecutive 7-0 victories on Saturday, eliminating both Bradley and Green Bay in a doubleheader. The wins extended the Badgers' undefeated season to 6-0. This marks the program's strongest start to a campaign since 1992.

The first match featured a clean sweep against Bradley. Wisconsin took control in the doubles matches before securing singles wins without dropping a set. In the opening doubles event, freshman MaryAnn Rompf and senior Kelsey Grambeau defeated Theresa Tebon and Tallie Piaskowski 6-1. Following that, sophomore Melissa Pick and freshman Lexi Keberle beat Maria Neff and Samm Pedersen 6-0.

Momentum from the doubles matches carried into the singles play. No Wisconsin player surrendered a set during either contest. Keberle competed at first singles and won against Tebon with scores of 6-1 and 6-1. She remains unbeaten in all competitions and now holds a combined record of 7-0 for the season.

Rompf advanced in the second singles match, defeating Piaskowski 6-3 and 6-1. Michelle Linden secured the third singles victory against Sterre Tijssens, winning 6-1 and 6-0. Pick completed her day by shuting out Neff 6-0 and 6-0. Christina Zordani finished the match at fifth singles, beating Pedersen 6-0 and 6-1 to improve her personal singles record to 5-0.

The second match against Green Bay followed a similar pattern. The visitors fielded only five players, limiting their options against the Badgers. Wisconsin maintained its dominance throughout the contest, finishing with an identical 7-0 scoreline. The short-handed nature of the Green Bay lineup meant they could not sustain a competitive effort against the hosts.

Head coach Kelcy McKenna attributed the results to the team's focus on controllable factors. She stated that the players demonstrated excellent attitude, effort, and energy. McKenna emphasized that these three elements are central to the program's success and performance on the court.

Looking ahead, McKenna said the team must focus on small details in daily practice. She noted that the squad needs to manage specifics in drills and match simulations to prepare for upcoming events. The next major test is the National Team Indoor Championship, which the Badgers will host.

The coach also identified areas for improvement despite the perfect record. She pointed to doubles performance as a priority, specifically regarding serves and returns. McKenna said the team must become more aggressive as the first team on the court and aim for specific spots on service plays.

McKenna added that the team must carry momentum from doubles into singles matches. She instructed the players to play with grit and avoid giving away free points when they hold a lead. The Badgers are scheduled to compete in the National Team Indoor Championship from Feb. 9 to 12.

The team will host that tournament at its home venue. They aim to extend their unbeaten streak during that four-day event. The schedule places this competition before the remainder of the spring season.