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June 3, 2009

Prep tennis: Royals' Turba, Sigler team up for Division 2 doubles state berth

By Scott Williams
Daily Tribune staff

Matt Turba and Jared Sigler began the season as singles players for the Wisconsin Rapids Assumption boys tennis team.

In a different twist, Sigler and Turba are about to end their season at the WIAA Division 2 State Individual Tournament in doubles.

Turba and Sigler are scheduled to meet eighth-seeded Andy Vandenberg and John Rusch of University School (18-5) in an opening-round match Thursday night.

Action is set to begin at 9 p.m. in the Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison.

"What a way to go out," said Assumption coach Gail Lundberg of the senior tandem. "They have a great opportunity now and they are going to make the most of it."

Sigler and Turba were in the midst of solid seasons as singles players when Lundberg had a crazy idea.

She approached both of them about the possibility of playing doubles together to help the team out -- and increase their chances of reaching state.

While somewhat hesitant at first, Turba and Sigler eventually agreed to team up at No. 1 doubles.

"At the beginning of the year I didn't want to play doubles at all because I put too much pressure on myself to help my partner," Turba said. "I wasn't doing the best at No. 2 singles, so I had a pretty long talk with Jared."

That turned out to be a smart move.

Since being paired together just in time for the WIAA tournament series, Turba and Sigler have put together a 7-2 record.

The only losses they've tasted in doubles have come at the hands of Eau Claire Regis' Ryan Kozuch and Steven Hafacker.

"Jared and I blend well together," said Turba. "He keeps me up when I get down, and I help him out when he gets down. We talk to each other well, and that really helps us."

Considering the circumstances, Turba and Sigler are under no illusions they have an easy road ahead at the state tournament.

The fact the duo is taking the highway to Madison speaks volumes about the ability of Turba and Sigler to adapt to whatever is thrown at them.

That should serve them well Thursday, according to their coach.

"They have a very similar style of play. They move well together and they are very positive out there," Lundberg said.

"I'm thrilled to take part in this experience. They're going to go out and let it rip. We'll see if we can go out there and maybe surprise them."