Women’s Tennis goes 1-1 this past weekend
Blugolds take down Winona State, lose to UW-La Crosse
More stories from John Mattison
Photo by John Mattison
Paige Kuepers serves against La Crosse’s Sadie Spahn this past Saturday. Kuepers brought the match to a third set before eventually being defeated.
The UW-Eau Claire women’s tennis team picked up a win against Winona State (Minn.) on Friday before losing to conference rival UW-La Crosse on Saturday 7-2.
The Blugolds started off Homecoming weekend strong as they handled Winona State without a problem, sweeping the Warriors 9-0.
In doubles play, the Blugolds lost only one game.
No. 4 Paige Kuepers, No. 5 Brooke Volpone and No. 6 Kendra Berry all went undefeated on the day in singles play.
Saturday didn’t turn out quite as well for Eau Claire as they battled against the Eagles and struggled to find consistency, losing 7-2.
“We have to give La Crosse credit,” Gillman said. “They’re an extremely talented team and great competitors.”
Experience seemed to be what was lacking for the Blugolds on Saturday, Gillman said. The Eagles lineup consisted of four seniors and two juniors, as compared to the Blugolds’ two seniors and one junior.
“We’ve been great so far this year, but on Saturday we got a little away from what we’ve been doing,” Gillman said.
No. 3 singles player Colleen McCullough was the only Blugold to earn a victory against the Eagles, defeating Jennifer Graham 6-2, 6-1.
The other victory came in the doubles competition as Olivia Gallagher and Kuepers defeated Graham and Sadie Spahn 8-4.
Kuepers played strong all weekend and really stood out, Gillman said.
In singles play, Kuepers played in a match that took three sets to conclude before losing 7-5, 3-6, 6-10.
“We played extremely well on Friday,” Kuepers said. “Limiting mistakes, not letting our opponent get any free points, and playing hard for each and every point will put us in a better position next time we play La Crosse.”
The Blugolds will face the Eagles again in the WIAC Tournament where they look to be on the other side of the winning column, Gillman said.
“Next time we will look for opportunities when they arise and not let our emotions be a factor,” Gillman said.
Gillman said he has been blessed with an extraordinary team this year, and has seen an abundance of improvements made thus far in the season.
The Blugolds now move to 6-2 on the year as they gear up for their next match at 3 p.m.
Friday as they travel to UW-Stevens Point for a conference battle against the Pointers.