This Saturday the Lady 'Hawks welcomed the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishers, Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Oshkosh, in the fall conference tournament to Whitewater for the conference automatic qualifier. For the AQ the 1st place team plays the 4th place team in the first round while the 2nd place team plays the 3rd place team. The winners of those two matches then play to see who will represent the WIAC in the NCAA Tournament. In the first round the Lady 'Hawks were slated to play UW-Oshkosh.
At the start of doubles the Lady 'Hawks took control and never looked back dropping a total of 1 game in the three doubles matches. Lauren Aguilar and Erika Williams added two quick victories at 5 and 6 respectively dropping 1 total game to give the Lady 'Hawks the 5-0 lead. Since the match was being played to decision the remaining matches were stopped and the ladies advanced to the next round. On the other side of the bracket UW-Eau Claire took out UW-La Crosse to advance to the finals.
After the first round the Lady 'Hawks took the time to honor the Seniors, Lauren Aguilar, Sydney Divelbiss, Kelly Foster, and Megan Kasten, for all the work they've done for the program over the last 4 years. Overall, it was a long list of accomplishments and it reminded me of how much each of these girls had meant for our program.
After the Senior Day festivities and cake the Lady 'Hawks prepared to take on UW-Eau Claire for the honor to represent the WIAC in the NCAA Tournament. The Lady 'Hawks came ready to play in doubles and all 3 doubles. Divelbiss/Bayliss and Kasten/Vitale, Ja. both grabbed quick victories at 1 and 2 doubles respectively, and shortly after Aguilar/Foster made it a 3-0 lead for the Lady 'Hawks with an 8-4 win at 3 doubles. Unlike the first round this match would not be played to decision, and all the ladies came out ready to defend their singles spot. Highlights include Megan Kasten who after taking a tight first set took momentum in the second to win at 4 singles, and Jackie Vitale who revenged a loss at conference in straight sets. When all was said and done the Lady 'Hawks walked away with the 9-0 win, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
To see complete scores from the WIAC Final Four matches click here
This is the sixth consecutive NCAA berth that the Lady 'Hawks have captured and I know the ladies are excited to prepare for the NCAA tournament in two weeks. Overall, it was a long regular season and I know the ladies are happy that all the hard work they've put in over the season has paid off.
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