Feb. 21, 2011

Results

MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's tennis team wrapped up a busy weekend by splitting a pair of matches Sunday.

Sophomore Maddy Soule again stole the show for the Panthers (4-3), capturing a singles win over Wisconsin's top player.

UWM started the day with a 6-1 loss to the Badgers but bounced back for a 7-0 win over Western Illinois.

Soule's big win came at number-one singles as she knocked off Nicky Stracar of Wisconsin in straight sets. Later in the day, she wrapped up a straight-set victory over Marcela Brandao of Western Illinois, while she also teamed up with Brittany Skemp for a doubles victory over the Leathernecks.

"Maddy had a great win against Wisconsin's number-one singles player," UWM head coach Sean McInerney said. "She has so much talent and when she stays within herself, moves well and mentally competes one point at a time, she can beat anyone she plays. The biggest difference for her was how well she hit her forehand. She did a fabulous job mixing it up and I think that got her in a good rhythm. I was really proud of how she accepted the challenge of playing such a great player. It was one of the most complete matches I have seen anyone play in a longtime."

Against Western Illinois, UWM was in control from start to finish. The Panthers won the doubles point with three convincing wins then were never challenged in singles play. In fact, Kristin Kurer (fourth singles), Beth Ganser (fifth) and Mary Ellen Donovan (sixth) all captured 6-0, 6-0 victories.

"Considering this was our sixth match in seven days, I thought we played well against Western," McInerney said. "I have to give their team a lot of credit for how hard they played against us. They are in a tough spot currently without a coach and I was impressed how they came out and competed for every point. We have a lot to work on as individual players, but I am really proud of the team this weekend."

In fact, UWM split four matches in three days over the weekend and have now won four of their first seven dual matches of the spring.

"I was happy with the four-match weekend," McInerney said. "We dealt with injuries and sickness and people stepped up and got the job done. We have eight girls that work extremely hard and I know that when given the chance they will perform at a high level. I am looking forward to having a good week of practice and getting better. We have two big matches this coming weekend and I am looking forward to seeing how this team accepts the challenge."

The Panthers will be back in Milwaukee this coming weekend, taking on Concordia (Wis.) Friday and IPFW Saturday.