MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee women's tennis team came up just short of a sweep, taking care of Providence in its home opener by a final score of 6-1 Sunday morning at River Glen Elite.
 
"The team really earned the match today," head coach Mark Goldin said. "They worked really hard over break on their fitness and it really is showing. They came in really good shape and have good energy for the long points. This fall, especially with three freshmen, we spent more time working on the mental game and how to deal with nerves and the work we put in there has paid off as well."
 
The Panthers (2-0) swept doubles against the Friars (0-2) and never looked back, picking up their first victory over a Big East opponent since February of 2007 in the process. With the win, the team is off to a 2-0 start for just the second time since the 2010-11 season.
 
"We've got a new team, a new look," Goldin said. "I really like the energy they are bringing early in the season. It's a great group of girls. Not only do they work hard, but the hard work has really paid off in these early matches.
 
MKE was in control from start to finish, beginning with a dominant effort in doubles play. Nadiia Konieva and Nikola Nikolajeva made quick work of Allison Root and Flora Eidson at No. 1, winning 6-0. Sara Simonova and Laure Razet were close behind, taking No. 2 doubles by the same 6-0 scoreline.
 
Giorgia Cavestro and Emilia Durska were rallying and tied at 3-3 at No. 3, when the doubles point was clinched.
 
Nikolajeva put on a show to pick up the first point in singles, dispatching Eidson quickly by a final score of 6-0, 6-1.
 
Emilia Durska made it 3-0 Panthers on the scoreboard with the win at No. 5, topping Lauren Carson by a final score of 6-1, 6-3.
 
Konieva was in great form against Barrera, earning the victory at No. 1 singles next, 6-3, 6-1, to clinch the team win overall as well.
 
Razet picked up the 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 3 and Simonova used a late surge to earn the impressive straight sets victory at No. 4, winning 6-0, 7-5, after coming back late.
 
Up next, the Panthers will take on a pair of in-state rivals to jump headfirst into the 2025 campaign, traveling to battle Wisconsin Friday and then Marquette on Sunday. The team will also play Northern Illinois when in Madison Friday, with that first match against the Huskies set to start at 9 a.m. at Nielsen Tennis Stadium.
 
Milwaukee 6, Providence 1
Singles competition
1. Nadiia Konieva (MKE) def. Camila Barrera (PC) 6-3, 6-1
2. Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) def. Flora Eidson (PC) 6-0, 6-1
3. Laure Razet (MKE) def. Mae Abreu (PC) 6-2, 6-3
4. Sara Simonova (MKE) def. Elise Leik (PC) 6-0, 7-5
5. Emilia Durska (MKE) def. Lauren Carson (PC) 6-1, 6-3
6. Gabriella Plonowski (PC) def. Elisa Rubio (MKE) 7-5, 7-5
Doubles competition
1. Nadiia Konieva/Nikola Nikolajeva (MKE) def. Allison Root/Flora Eidson (PC) 6-0
2. Laure Razet/Sara Simonova (MKE) def. Camila Barrera/Mae Abreu (PC) 6-0
3. Emilia Durska/Giorgia Cavestro (MKE) vs. Lauren Carson/Elisa Davalos (PC) 3-3, unfinished