Women’s tennis sweeps away competition

Although the forecast in Eau Claire called for grey skies and blustery winds, the Olson Courts in the McPhee Gymnasium echoed of squeaking tennis shoes and cheers.

After being forced to play indoors due to inclement weather, the UW-Eau Claire women’s tennis team held its first home matches of the season sweeping UW-Stevens point 9-0 Friday afternoon, and UW-Oshkosh 9-0 Saturday morning.

The Blugolds were victorious in all six singles matches, winning in straight sets against the Pointers. Senior  Maddie Johnson won a close one at No. 1 singles 7-5, 6-3. Meanwhile at No. 2 singles, junior Colleen McCullough won cleanly 6-0, 6-2. Senior Nicole Pothen also performed strong winning her match at No. 3 singles 6-3, 6-4.

In doubles, the combo of seniors Johnson and Maddie Rossebo won quickly at No. 1 doubles 8-1.  Nothing much changed at No. 2 doubles  with Pothen and Kuepers earning a speedy 8-2 victory.

Much was the same Saturday morning as the Blugolds took on UW-Oshkosh.

The Blugolds won five of six singles matches in straight sets. Johnson once again was strong winning at No. 1 singles 6-1, 6-0.  At No. 2 singles McCullough won 6-4, 6-2, and Pothen once again won her match at No. 3 singles 6-2, 6-1.  

In doubles play Johnson and Rossebo continued their hot play by winning at No. 1 doubles 8-6.  At No. 2 doubles Pothen and Kuepers also earned a victory with an 8-2 win.

The Blugolds will be in play once again at 3 p.m. Friday when they travel to Division II Winona State (Minn.).  

With the victories Eau Claire improves to 6-1 overall, and 4-1 in WIAC conference play. Since losing to UW-Whitewater in their first WIAC matches this season, the Blugolds are 36-0 in four WIAC duals and 51-3 over their six-match winning streak.