The Lady Hawks took Nielsen Tennis Center, in Madison by storm this past weekend. The team which was coming off a less than stellar spring break (result wise) was looking to bounce back against some tough competition. On Friday Morning the ladies took on #22 Denison University from Ohio. The Warhawks recognized the opportunity at hand and seized all three doubles points. You may know, here at Whitewater we put a tremendous emphasis on doubles. Having a 3-0 lead heading into singles is a huge advantage. Last weeks practice definitely emphasized serving and doubles strategy. Kudos to the ladies for taking it to heart, and putting it into action this weekend. After doubles the Warhawks kept there focus and captured 4 of the 6 singles spots.
Friday afternoon featured what will most likely be the toughest competition the Lady Hawks will see in the regular season. Matched up in the semi-final vs. #10 Wash-U the ladies were only able to capture one doubles point. The freshman duo of Megan Humphreys/ Amy Upthagrove won 8-6 at #2 doubles. The Warhawks fought hard in singles but were only able to capture one singles point. Alexandra Bayliss was in full force (as usual) as she defeated Jamie Silverberg 6-2, 3-6, 11-9 at #1 singles. Alexandra has been playing at a new level this year, clearly she has been putting in the extra work!!
Saturday at 11 featured the 3rd place match between your Warhawks and #12 University of Chicago. The scores do not do this match justice. The way the Lady Hawks competed, fought, and played throughout the entire match, was at a level not seen before this year. Doubles consisted of three incredibly tight matches with Chicago taking a lead into singles 2-1.
Doubles Scores:
1D) 8-9(5) Best match 1 dubs has played all year!!!
2D) 9-7 2 Dubs went 3-0 on the weekend against the #22, #10, and #12 ranked teams in the nation!!!
3D) 8-6 Trailed 5-1 and rock!!
After some emotional doubles the Ladies were able to re-focus and push Chicago to their limits. Whitewater was able to capture victories at both #2 and #3 singles. Megan Humphreys moved like "a cat with a hot foot" on her way to a 6-4, 6-3 win over Tiffany Chen at 2. Jackie Vitale was also able to seize a singles point, beating rival Helen Sdvizkhov 1-6, 6-1, 6-3. "I didn't let the first set get me down, I just kept fighting and was able to figure out a way to win." said captain Jackie. who went on to say "we proved this weekend that we can compete with the best in the nation. The passion we brought to the court was unlike any match before. After this weekend I know are team can reach new hieghts this year."
Saturday also featured the home outdoor opener for the Men. However, the first match against Carrol University was moved indoors, due to weather. Classic Wisconsin. This match featured a rematch of the central ITA final between Jake Humphreys and Jack Michael. Jake left the drama in Minnesota and was able to capture his second straight victory against the wily foe. This one coming in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.
Saturday afternoon the men took the outdoor Wangerin Stadium Courts vs. Monmouth College. Monmouth has a tough #1 doubles team and the show court match up did not disappoint, seeing the #1 duo of Balkin/Humphreys return their way to an 8-5 victory.
