Women's Tennis drops final NACC match to Lakeland

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin and Lakeland College went toe-to-toe on Wednesday afternoon on the court, but the Muskies took an important 5-4 women's tennis Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference decision at North Shore Country Club.

With seeding on the line for the NACC Tournament, which won't be played until early May, LC gave CUW its second loss in the past four matches after winning six-consecutive to start the season.

"This is a tough lost, especially when our No. 1 doubles was up 7-4 at one point, and had 5 match points at another point," head coach Steve Anschutz said. "As much as this loss hurts, I think this experience is what makes our team stronger."

The Falcons took an early 2-1 lead after doubles play, with senior Kristine Weber (Rochester Hill, Mich.) and sophomore Ashley Knoll (Wilmot, Wis.) winning an extended No. 1 doubles match 9-8 (7-3). Also, junior Emily McCormick (Waukesha, Wis.) and sophomore Amanda Ropiak (Franklin, Wis.) defeating their No. 2 doubles pairing 8-2.

"We had a long talk after and I think this match will be the fuel for our fire, and will motivate us to practice harder, compete tougher, and win more," Anschutz added. "Our players have not peaked yet and we have more in us. I believe this will make the difference in the end when we play in the conference tournament in May."

Singles play was very competitive, with both teams winning three matches. Freshman Michaela Wagner (Oswego, Ill.) won the quickest of the matches with a 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 6 singles. Ropiak down her No. 4 singles opponent 6-2, 6-3. Weber dug deep to earn a hard fought 3-6, 7-5, 10-8 win at No. 3 singles.

CUW returns to play on Friday and Saturday at the ITA Midwest Regional Championship in St. Peter, Minn.

Lakeland 5, Concordia Wisconsin 4

Singles
1. Powelson, Victoria (LC) def. Sapp, Jessica (CUW) 6-1, 6-2
2. Pipke, Lynn (LC) def. McCormick, Emily (CUW) 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
3. Weber, Kristine (CUW) def. Hoffmann, Erica (LC) 3-6, 7-5, 10-8
4. Ropiak, Amanda (CUW) def. Liston, Geanina (LC) 6-2, 6-3
5. Jurek, Brittany (LC) def. Knoll, Ashley (CUW) 6-4, 6-4
6. Wagner, Michaela (CUW) def. Oberthaler, Jenna (LC) 6-2, 6-1

Doubles
1. Powelson, Victoria/Pipke, Lynn (LC) def. Weber, Kristine/Knoll, Ashley (CUW) 9-8 (7-3)
2. Hoffmann, Erica/Liston, Geanina (LC) def. McCormick, Emily/Ropiak, Amanda (CUW) 8-2
3. Wagner, Michaela/Macioch, Alisia (CUW) def. Jurek, Brittany/Oberthaler, Jenna (LC) 8-2

Match Notes
Lakeland 8-2, 6-2 NACC
Concordia Wisconsin 8-2, 8-2 NACC