Panthers Take Down Chicago For First Win Of The Year

Milwaukee splits Sunday homestand

Chicago Results l Bradley Results

MILWAUKEE – The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's tennis team bounced back from an early loss and battled to a hard-fought win over Chicago at North Shore Elite Sunday afternoon.

"The afternoon match went exceptionally better," head coach Maddy Soule said. "The girls used the earlier disappointment to fuel their willingness to win and do whatever it takes to beat this team. There were three matches that all went three sets that we needed to win and we were able to take all three. There was a lot of pressure riding on Chelsea, Hayley and Mardee, and they all won in three sets. Everyone played much better this match and we were happy with the result."

Senior Chelsea Bailey claimed her second win in as many days. Playing in the top spot, Bailey dropped the first set, 4-6; only to bounce back and take the final two sets, 6-4, 6-0, to grab an important win against Chicago's top player.

Mardee Merar and Hayley Marshall also recorded important wins in singles play for the Panthers. Merar posted dominating performances in the second and third sets to rebound from a slow start to cruise to a win, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, for her second win of the day.

Marshall also notched her second win of the day in the nightcap. The sophomore took down Chicago's Courtney Warren, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, giving Milwaukee a vital split in singles play.

In doubles action, Alysa Straub and Christina Colarossi teamed up for a win at the top spot, 8-5, to start the big day for UWM. Merar and Dana Shannon then posted a commanding 8-3 win at the third spot to secure the team with for the Panthers.

Earlier in the day, Straub and Colarossi grabbed a 6-2 win in doubles play over Bradley's top duo of Alexa Brandt and Ashley Thai. Marshall and Merar also claimed straight-set wins in singles play, but Milwaukee fell just short, 2-5.

"It was a disappointing loss, especially going into the match so confident," Soule said. "Reality has set in and the girls realize they are going to need to work extremely hard these next two weeks in order to prepare for road matches."

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Players Mentioned

Chelsea Bailey: Senior

Christina Colarossi: Senior

Hayley Marshall: Sophomore

Dana Shannon: Junior

Alysa Straub: Sophomore

Mardee Merar: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Chelsea Bailey
: Senior

Christina Colarossi
: Senior

Hayley Marshall
: Sophomore

Dana Shannon
: Junior

Alysa Straub
: Sophomore

Mardee Merar
: Freshman