Sept. 12, 2010

Complete Results

AURORA, Ill. - Sophomore Beth Ganser and freshman Mary Ellen Donovan teamed up for a doubles title while sophomore Maddy Soule made it all the way to the title match of the Flight A Singles draw to highlight play by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's tennis team at this weekend's Northern Illinois Invitational.

Soule's run to the final was dominant, as she lost just five games in the first two rounds before falling to Horizon League Player of the Year Mariya Kovaleva of UIC, 6-1, 7-5, in the title match.

In capturing the doubles title, Ganser and Donovan beat Ilse Pacheco and Rebecca Hansmann from Northern Illinois, 8-2, before knocking off Jennifer Kim and Kristen Laird of Eastern Illinois, 8-5.

Freshman Kristin Kurer also won two singles contests in the fifth flight.

"This was a solid start for our very young team," UWM head coach Sean McInerney said. "When six out of your eight players are freshmen and sophomores, it is always interesting to see how they handle the pressure of real competition. We had a bit of a rough first day, but I was really impressed on how we battled back on day two. I think that this team is starting to realize that anytime they walk onto a court they are capable and expected to win against any opponent."

The field at the Northern Illinois Invitational was strong, with perennial Horizon League champion UIC joined by Northern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Green Bay and Chicago State. But, UWM was still able to collect eight singles wins and three doubles victories overall.

"It was great to see how our team did head-to-head against programs that have really been tough for us to beat in past years," McInerney said. "We had a 5-1 record against a veteran and solid NIU team and a 3-2 singles record against a very talented EIU team. It was great to see Milwaukee tennis battle every match against good competition and come out ahead."

UWM continues its fall schedule in two weeks, heading to Waterloo, Iowa, for the Northern Iowa Invitational Sept. 24-26. McInerney is looking forward to getting his team back in the courts.

"We clearly have a lot to improve on the court but the overall team attitude and vibe couldn't have been better," McInerney said. "I was so proud of how the girls represented the University with pride and class and supported each other over the weekend. The team has really become close and you can tell they really care about each other, and this will lead to a very successful and enjoyable season. I was proud to be the coach of the Panthers this weekend and am looking forward to watching this team grow."