YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Milwaukee women's tennis team responded quickly after dropping the opening doubles point, but could not convert its opportunities afterwards in falling to Youngstown State by a final score of 7-0 Saturday at the YSU Indoor Tennis Center.
 
"Brutal loss. We are certainly disappointed in the result, but I feel encouraged that we are playing our best tennis at the right time, especially on the singles court," head coach Ryan Kucera said. "We are just waiting for the results to catch up to our progress."
 
The Panthers (7-11, 1-2 Horizon League) took control against the Penguins (6-8, 3-0 Horizon League) early in singles play by winning first sets on four courts, but were unable to carry that momentum through the rest of the day in falling to the reigning Horizon League Tournament champions.
 
"We had a realistic path to winning this match," Kucera said. "We won four first sets and had a lead deep into four matches. At one point we were simultaneously up 4-3, 4-3, and 3-2 in third sets. It's tough to feel it on our fingertips and come away empty handed. Credit to Youngstown, they are the defending champs and played with that confidence. They were tough on all courts and very well coached."
 
MKE grabbed 1-0 advantages at the No. 2, 3, 4, and 6 positions, only to see the Penguins respond and take back momentum and then win the third set in each situation.
 
Nadiia Konieva (#2) fell 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, and Sara Simonova (#6) suffered a tough 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 decision.
 
Anika Tylek (#4) claimed her first set but fell 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, and Alice Shields (#3) suffered the same fate after a strong opening, falling 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
 
"I'm so proud of this group," Kucera said. "We fought so hard, and our level keeps improving dramatically. Even though this weekend stings, I'm confident nothing will change regarding our mentality and the way we will continue to grow together from these experiences."
 
Up next, the Panthers return home to host Chicago State next Saturday. Match time against the Cougars is set for 1 p.m.
 
Youngstown State 7, Milwaukee 0
 
Singles competition
1. Rigazio, Elisa (YSU) def. Babette Burgersdijk (MKE) 6-3, 6-4
2. Masarikova, Eliska (YSU) def. Nadiia Konieva (MKE) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
3. Rosas, Cecilia (YSU) def. Alice Shields (MKE) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
4. Ito, Moka (YSU) def. Anika Tylek (MKE) 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
5. Marko, Julia (YSU) def. Iva Stejskalova (MKE) 6-1, 6-2
6. Greyling, Line (YSU) def. Sara Simonova (MKE) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
 
Doubles competition
1. Masarikova, Eliska/Rigazio, Elisa (YSU) def. Babette Burgersdijk/Sara Simonova (MKE) 6-3
2. Oliveira, Maria/Rosas, Cecilia (YSU) def. Nadiia Konieva/Giorgia Cavestro (MKE) 6-1
3. Marko, Julia/Greyling, Line (YSU) vs. Iva Stejskalova/Alice Shields (MKE) 2-4, unfinished