On Oct. 3 the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles faced off against the University of Wisconsin River Falls Falcons. The Eagles had started off the season strong with a 3-0 record at the time of the match and would be looking to keep the momentum going. This noteworthy start would include a 4-3 win over conference opponent University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Fourth-year player Laura Burger commented on the win over Whitewater. “We were really excited to beat Whitewater because they’re always our biggest competition, and every time we play them, everyone gets really hyped up, so it was great to come away with a win.”
The Eagles, going into the match, would be looking to extend their conference record to 2-0. However, the weather would play a factor in the competition as it was a blistering 90 degrees, turning the match against the Falcons into a battle of endurance.
Fifth-year player Tasha Bailey said this about how heat can impact a match, “It makes you more tired, you get exhausted quicker, and even your hands can get sweaty, making the racket slippery.”
The game began around 3 p.m. with the Eagles facing the Falcons in their doubles matches. Despite the heat, UWL would command a solid lead over River Falls throughout the duration of doubles. At No.1 Bailey, and third-year Shelby Roth took the win at 6-3.
Bailey had nothing but praise for her partner and commented on how a good partner can impact the game. “It makes me not struggle as much or not get in my head when I know my partner is just as good as me and wants to win just as bad as me. So, if I’m having a bad day, she can have my back, and I have her back along with that.”
The Eagles would continue their solid performance, only dropping three games in the next two doubles matches. Third-year Lauren Lindow and third-year Zoe Klicker would take the win during the No.2 doubles, going 6-1. Lastly, first-year Emma Herzog and third-year Emma Kappel finished the doubles sweep, taking the No.3 6-2.
Next, the Eagles faced off against the Falcons in the singles matches. With the heat still beaming down, UWL had to stay focused to close the game out.
When asked about her team, Burger said, “I would describe our team as persistent and determined. A lot of people have been in some long and tough matches this year, but no matter what, they’ve persisted through it.”
The Eagles remained determined to win, and it showed as they won all six sets and dropped only 13 total games in the competition. Second-year Caitlyn Stadter would take the first matchup, winning both sets 6-2. Followed by third-year Lauren Lindow, going 6-1 and 6-0. Third would be third-year Hannah Cady defeating her opponent 6-2 and 6-0. At the No. 4 second-year Lily Jorgensen handled the Falcons, going 6-1 in both sets. Next was third-year Maiai Samuelson, who took care of business, dropping only one game, going 6-0 and 6-1 in her sets. Lastly, third-year Izabelle Brinkman finished off the University of Wisconsin River Falls 6-2 and 6-1. These victories would help the Eagles win 7-0.
When asked about the mindset of staying focused during a long set, Burger said, “We usually take the set one ball at a time, like if we miss one it’s on to the next ball. Also, taking deep breaths when we go to the court. It’s all just in the mindset of staying calm and waiting for the next ball.”
The win pushes the Eagles to a 4-0 record overall and a 2-0 conference record. The team will go on to face three conference opponents in a row, beginning against The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point on Oct. 4.
When asked about the team’s goals moving forward, Bailey said “Our goal is to win the WIAC championship and then go on to nationals. Whitewater has won the WIAC the past 18 to 19 years, but I think with our team it’s extremely doable. That’s our big goal, showing up that one day in April.”
More stats and information on the UWL Women’s Tennis Team can be found here.
