The women’s tennis team came into the day with a 2-0 record and a desire to take care of business at home and win their own invite.

The Warhawks swept both River Falls and Stout 9-0 and headed into their final match versus Wheaton College with confidence. Last year, Wheaton beat UW-Whitewater 5-4.

This year was a complete turnaround though, as the Warhawks came out on top 9-0.

Senior Kalla Schaefer led the way for the Warhawks, but everyone played well.

Schaefer won in her first match 6-2, 6-2 to continue her strong season. Schaefer took Wheaton netter Elizabeth Worsowicz to a third set to improve to 5-0.

Sophomore Alexandra Bayliss dominated her two singles matches 6-0, 6-0, 6-1 and 6-4.

Schaefer and Bayliss also played well in both of their doubles matches, beating Stout 8-0 and defeating Wheaton 8-3. Bayliss and Schaefer are 4-2 overall this season.

Senior Sydney Divelbiss won both of her singles matches, while Divelbiss and senior Annie Smith also won 8-2 in their doubles match.

Improvements can always be made throughout the season, so practice is where the team members try to help their teammates improve.

“I’m one of the louder ones in practice,” Bayliss said. “I need to work on my returns.”

Bayliss said coming off of a 28-6 season means high expectations for this year’s team.

“We expect to win conference again and get to the NCAA tournament,” Bayliss said. “It’s nice not having freshmen because everyone knows each other and we have good team chemistry.”

The Warhawks head to St. Peter for the ITA Regional Championships. The regional will have all teams from the WIAC and will help the Warhawks as they near the NCAA Tournament.

Bayliss expects the ‘Hawks to play well the rest of the year, especially at regionals.

“Last year, I won consolation tournament,” Bayliss said. “It’s always a tough tournament. I’m going to try to win a match in the front draw this year.”

The ITA Regional Championship starts Friday with matches all day and goes through Sunday.