Tennis Brings Home Hardware After First Action Of The Year

Pendleton, Clark collect trophies at Drake

Complete Results

Iowa City, Iowa – Aerielle Pendleton and Laurie Clark both brought back some hardware for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the final day of action in the Roger Knapp Tennis Invite Sunday hosted by Drake University.

Both Pendleton and Clark finished runners-up in their flights to highlight a very strong start to the fall season for the Panthers.

"It was a very successful first tournament – probably the best we have ever had," Milwaukee head coach Maddy Soule said. "As a coach, you always expect and hope for good results, but realistically at the first tournament it's not always pretty. We looked like we had a lot of experience and practice under our belts, but we've actually only been going for about a week. The incoming freshmen didn't show any nerves or pressure and did exceptionally well.

"The great dynamic of the team and the positive environment have been integral in our success so far."

With a pair of Panthers playing in tournament finals, Clark brought home a second-place finish in the "C" flight, while Pendleton finished runner-up in the "D" flight –taking second overall out of the 32-person bracket.

In doubles play, Clark and Alysa Straub claimed a consolation title in the "A" flight with a 7-6 win over the pairing from Creighton.

Pendleton also nearly won a doubles title. The junior, paired with Green Bay's Noel Peck, came up just short in the championship match for another runner-up finish.

Milwaukee finished the opening weekend with an impressive 20 wins in three days of action.

"This was a great start," Soule said. "Labina (Petrovska) took fourth, which was very impressive given the high level of play in her draw. She had a huge win against a Northern Iowa player in the quarters.

"Our newcomers are very solid and I am excited for what is to come. I think we will be a force in the Horizon League as we continue to improve and compete."

UWM now had a week off before heading to the Gopher Invitational starting Friday, Sept. 25.

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Players Mentioned

Aerielle Pendleton: Junior

Alysa Straub: Junior

Laurie Clark: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Aerielle Pendleton
: Junior

Alysa Straub
: Junior

Laurie Clark
: Freshman