The Lawrence University women’s tennis team has amassed a 4-7 record thus far this year. After a strong start, winning three out of their first four matches, the team lost its momentum to drop to where it stands now. Last Saturday, the team played a pair of matches, first against Beloit, then against UW-Stout.
Against Beloit, the Vikings dropped a difficult 7-2. Sophomores Beth Larson and Anica Cihla both won their singles matches at number one and number six respectively for the only two victories for the Vikings.
The team was forced into a quick turnaround with another match against UW-Stout later in the day. They won 7-2, snapping their previous six-match winless streak. Larson, Jennifer Roesch, Kat Valde, Elizabeth Byers and Cihla all won their singles matches, while the teams Larson and Roesch and Valde and Byers each won their doubles match.
These two victories makes Larson’s individual season record an impressive 9-2, her only two losses coming against players from Lake Forest College and UW-Stevens Point. Even with the Lady Vikes’ mediocre record, Larson said, “I think we’re doing well. This is kind of a grind season for us since we lost so many seniors last year. I am excited to play more conference matches and to hopefully do well.”
She and the team will have that next conference opportunity against Grinnell College Oct. 3.
Looking on to the rest of the season, Larson said, “I am excited for the conference tournament and hopefully our entire team will make a strong showing there.” The tournament will be Oct. 16-18, but unfortunately it will be in Madison.
The next chance to go see the Lady Vikes play will be Oct. 6, when they take on UW-Whitewater.
Women’s tennis snaps six-game skid
