Tennis to finish season at UW-Whitewater, WIAC Tournament
October 23, 2008
The 2008 Falcon tennis team has gone through a full season of ups and downs, but as the 7-7 Falcons head into their final meet before the WIAC Tournament they hope, with some hard work and a little bit of luck, that they will finish strong.
The Falcons started off the 2008 season in impressive fashion compiling a 7-2 record. Since the hot start, the Falcons have struggled to find their composure and have now lost five consecutive meets with arguably their toughest conference competitor, UW-Whitewater, yet to play.
After starting the season off at 3-0, the Falcons began their conference play with two tough losses against UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point. After suffering the conference set backs, the Falcons were able to bounce back and ripped off four straight victories against Concordia University, UW-Stout, Hamline University and Ripon College.
The Falcons looked to be finding their stride, until one mistake led to another and the Falcons found themselves on the losing end in five straight meets.
Junior Lindsay Gillman said she felt some of the ups and downs of the 2008 season in her tennis play.
“Although my record wasn’t as great as I hoped it would be, I played my hardest in every match,” Gillman said. “The team fought hard this whole season, as well. We’ve gone up against a lot of good competition and we’ve been close with most of the teams.”
As the Falcons look to end their regular season with a victory over favored Whitewater, Head Coach Lee Lueck said he expects the match up to be a tough one for the Falcons.
“Whitewater is building a dynasty. They have excellent outdoor facilities and are building a tennis only indoor facility,” Lueck said. “They also run a summer camp that brings in over 600 players.”
Shortly following the meet against Whitewater, the Falcons will compete as a team and as individuals in the WIAC Tournament, which will be held Oct. 25-26 at UW-Madison.
“I expect that we will do well at the WIAC meet, that’s usually when our team shines,” Gillman said.
Lueck also said he has high hopes for the WIAC Tournament.
“Junior Cassie Wood will probably get a fourth seed and I believe she can upset some higher seeded players in the tournament,” Lueck said. “I also feel if other players have a good weekend in Madison they too can turn some close matches.”
Only time will tell how the 2008 season ends for the Falcons, but win or lose Lueck said he plans to build the Falcon program into a winner.
“The good news is we are only losing two seniors and my lower players on the ladder are good enough to fill in those spots next year,” Lueck said. “Last year was also my worst year of recruiting and I’m hopeful I can bring in one quality player and that would change our entire outlook in 2009.”