March 27, 2011

Results

JACKSON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's tennis team dropped a 7-0 decision to Cleveland State Sunday at Pleasant Valley Tennis and Fitness.

The Panthers (10-6, 3-2 Horizon) nearly won the doubles point and had chances to win three of the singles matches but could not break through against the Vikings (7-9, 2-0).

"We knew coming into this match that CSU was a very good and deep team," UWM head coach Sean McInerney said. "I think we came out with good energy and played extremely well in doubles, which has been a point of emphasis in practice the past month. We nearly took the doubles point and that would have been a big step for us."

In doubles play, Maddy Soule and Beth Ganser captured an 8-5 win in the third spot. The Panthers also nearly claimed victory in the second slot, with Sammi Schoen and Kelly Fritz dropping an 8-6 decision.

In singles action, Brittany Skemp won the first set from Alex Power in the fourth spot but fell, 3-6, 6-0, 6-4. Kristin Kurer lost a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 decision to Nicole Janek in the sixth slot and Sammi Schoen battled before falling, 6-4, 6-3, to Kara Sherwood at number -three singles.

"We hung around in the singles matches and honestly had opportunities to win three matches," McInerney said. "We need to get better at attacking and forcing our opponents to react to us. It is very hard to play a passive match and beat great players. It just gives them way too many opportunities to put pressure on and finish us."

Still, after a split of two league matches this weekend, the Panthers are 3-2 in the league and in good shape to qualify for the league championships, which are next month in Indianapolis.

"Overall I think this was a good weekend for our program," McInerney said. "We talk about getting better every day and we took a few steps forward this weekend, especially with our doubles play. I am proud of how hard this team works and am looking forward to competing against strong Wright State and Butler teams next weekend."

The Panthers square off with Wright State next Saturday and Butler next Sunday, with both matches set for the Pleasant Valley Tennis and Fitness Center.