University of Michigan Women’s Tennis Dominates Illinois in Thrilling Match
Match Overview: A Testament to Michigan’s Strength
Location: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Varsity Tennis Center)
Score: #3 Michigan 4, Illinois 0
Records: U-M (14-3, 7-0 Big Ten), Illinois (8-10, 3-4 Big Ten)
Next U-M Event: Sunday, March 30 — vs. Northwestern at 2:30 p.m.
A Winning Streak on the Horizon!
In a display of sheer determination and skill, the No. 3-ranked University of Michigan women's tennis team extended its winning streak to eight consecutive matches and remained unbeaten in the Big Ten with a resounding 4-0 victory over Illinois on Saturday afternoon. The atmosphere at the Varsity Tennis Center was electric, as the Wolverines showcased their prowess by swiftly claiming both the doubles point and three straight-set victories in singles play.
Doubles: A Strategic Start
Michigan set the tone early by clinching the pivotal doubles point. The Wolverines’ No. 2 duo, Reese Miller and Julia Fliegner, exhibited exceptional teamwork, dominating their opponents without dropping a single game and achieving a 6-0 victory.
Despite Illinois leveling the doubles score with a 6-3 win at No. 3, the final doubles match swung the momentum back in favor of Michigan. In an intense showdown at the No. 1 position, Jessica Bernales and Lily Jones fought hard through ties and tiebreaks, ultimately seizing control in the clutch moments to secure a 7-6(5) win.
Singles: A Clean Sweep of Dominance
With a solid foundation established, Michigan surged ahead in singles play, winning all six first sets and quickly sealing the deal.
Bernales bolstered Michigan’s lead with a straight-set win at No. 6, defeating her opponent Kasia Treiber 6-3, 6-4.
Riding the wave of momentum, Piper Charney followed suit, dispatching her opponent Megan Heuser with a 6-4, 6-3 victory at No. 2. Charney executed timely breaks that ensured her victory was secure.
The decisive clincher came from Emily Sartz-Lunde, who demonstrated poise under pressure. After rallying from a 2-0 deficit, she captured the first set 6-4, then triumphed in the second with a score of 7-5, thus sealing the match for Michigan.
As the scoreboard read 4-0 in favor of Michigan, it was clear that this team is one to watch as the season progresses.
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!
The Michigan Wolverines will continue their pursuit of excellence on Sunday, March 30, as they host a highly anticipated match against Northwestern at 2:30 p.m., part of a dynamic doubleheader with the men’s team. With confidence soaring and competitive spirits high, fans can expect another thrilling performance!
Match Results Summary
Singles
No. 1: Julia Fliegner (U-M) vs McKenna Schaefbauer (Illinois), 7-6 (6), 4-2 abandoned
No. 2: Piper Charney (U-M) d. Megan Heuser (Illinois), 6-4, 6-3
No. 3: Lily Jones (U-M) vs. Violeta Martinez (Illinois), 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 abandoned
No. 4: Emily Sartz-Lunde (U-M) d. Kida Ferrari (Illinois), 6-4, 7-5
No. 5: Reese Miller (U-M) vs. Ariel Madatali (Illinois), 7-5, 5-2 abandoned
No. 6: Jessica Bernales (U-M) d. Kasia Treiber (Illinois), 6-3, 6-4
Doubles
No. 1: Lily Jones/ Jessica Bernales (U-M) d. Megan Heuser/Kida Ferrari (Illinois), 7-6 (5)
No. 2: Julia Fliegner/ Reese Miller (U-M) d. Violeta Martinez/Alice Xu (Illinois), 6-0
No. 3: McKenna Schaefbauer/Kasia Treiber (Illinois) d. Piper Charney/ Emily Sartz-Lunde (U-M), 6-3
Order of Completion: Doubles 2-3-1; Singles 6-2-4
This victory serves as a vibrant reminder of the tenacity and skills possessed by the University of Michigan women's tennis team. They are poised for greatness as the season progresses—don't miss out on this thrilling journey!
