The men’s and women’s tennis team’s are coming off of two of the most important weeks in school history.
The women, ranked No. 18, finished the Midwest Invitational 2-1 and beat two nationally ranked opponents, Gustavus Adolphus College and Denison University.
Both victories were the first wins against either school in UW-Whitewater history.
In its first couple matches at the Wangerin Courts this spring, the men’s tennis team did not disappoint. Its record improved to 12-6 after it swept Rock Valley College 8-0 and beat Lawrence University 8-1
Adversity can take many forms and the men’s tennis team encountered plenty in South Carolina during its spring break trip.
Whether it was spending long hours on the court, playing ranked opponents or competing without their full lineup, the Warhawks fought to finish the week with a 3-2 record.
This past Saturday against Lake Forest College and Carthage College the Warhawks ended up going 6-0 in singles against both schools, as well as 2-1 on the doubles side. Resulting in total scores of 8-1 over both Lake Forest and Carthage College.
The men’s tennis team is off to a 3-1 start after beating Luther College, UW-Oshkosh and Wheaton College at the Warhawk Invite tournament over the weekend.
Warhawks Byron Balkin and Mitch Osborne were the No. 1 ranked doubles team in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Regional tournament last weekend in St. Peter, Minn, but ended up getting bounced in the quarterfinals.
Next weekend, the men’s tennis team participates in its most important tournament of the fall season, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Championships. The Warhawks will travel to St. Peter, Minn. to compete from 9/30-10/2.
Last season, the women’s tennis team finished 22-6, was undefeated at home and in conference play, and made it to the second round of the NCAA regional tournament.
The men’s tennis team has had a dream season. The Warhawks have compiled a record of 26-5, and will try to do something that has never been done by the program: advance to the NCAA Division III finals.
One is the number of seniors the men’s tennis team has on its roster this season. Two is the number of remaining home matches he has left this season. Three is how many years he waited to make the starting lineup. That senior is Charlie Miller.
When a program loses a majority of its lineup, expectations might not be as high for that team the following year.
But for the men’s tennis team, expectations are always high.
Losing five seniors...