March 25, 2007

Results

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's tennis team couldn't keep up with a solid Illinois State team Sunday, falling 6-1 to the Redbirds at the Helfaer Tennis Stadium at Marquette.

The Panthers (8-7) were competitive in doubles play but could then break through just once on the singles side.

"Illinois State is a strong team that has won the Missouri Valley Conference a number of times in recent seasons," UWM head coach Matt McCaskill said. "I liked how we played at the #1 and #2 doubles slots and Traci (Litscher) played well in singles."

Litscher claimed the Panthers' lone point, capturing a victory over Matea Simovic at #6 singles. Litscher won the first set 6-3 before Simovic retired.

In doubles play, the #1 tandem of Kelly Drvaric and Ashley Schoneman fought hard before falling, 8-5, to Katri Miller and Veronique Parke-Bedard. Kari Kastenholz and Ali O'Neal followed a similar script at the #2 doubles spot for the Panthers, battling with Julia Zubjova and Tanja Hrovatic before falling, 8-5.

UWM's best chance to claim an additional point came at #1 singles, where Drvaric was serving at 5-4 to close out the second set and even the contest. But, Miller battled back to win the next three games and close out the match.

The Panthers return to action next weekend, squaring off with South Dakota State in Kohler, Wis.