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Prep girls tennis: Assumption searches for improvement
By Mark Massoglia
Daily Tribune Staff
mark.massoglia@cwnews.net September 19, 2007

With just a few dual meets left on the schedule for most girls tennis teams, now is the time for players to fine-tune their game for the postseason.

At least that was the primary focus for Wausau Newman as it defeated Wisconsin Rapids Assumption 7-0 on Tuesday evening.

"Our focus is to prepare for anything that we might experience in the playoffs that we don't' normally experience, " Newman coach Randy Juley said. "We need to keep improving, but we also need to have a plan B in case we see something new in the postseason. "

The Royals were forced to forfeit two matches, Nos. 3 and 4 singles, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead without even hitting one ball. But the Royals gave it their best effort.

"It's a challenge to play her (Lauren Tubbs), but she brings out my best tennis, " Assumption junior Olivia Freundl said. "We've played each other a few times and she's fun to play. She brings out my true game. "

Tubbs defeated Freundl 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1 singles, while Beth Pyan won in straight sets at No. 2 singles over Stephanie Rybicki.

"I've been working on my net game and my placement shots to get ready for subsectionals, " Freundl said. "And of course I'm always trying to make my serve better. "

Newman senior Sarah Theisen joined forces with freshman Erica Hartke to win in straight sets at No. 3 doubles without giving up a game.

"We just want to get as much playing time as possible to be ready for subsectionals, " said Theisen, who has two partners and is undefeated on the season. "I'm comfortable with both of them and have a great time playing with both girls. "

Newman has four dual meets left, while Assumption has three.

Both teams will compete in the Menasha St. Mary Central Division 2 subsectional at Menasha on Oct. 1.

"We've been in a bit of a tough spot this year because we're low on numbers, but the girls are getting more consistent and that's what we've been stressing in practice and in our matches, " Assumption coach Mike Schulte said. "The girls are going to continue to work hard and we'll see where we go in the postseason. "

Cardinals 7, Royals 0

Singles: No. 1--Lauren Tubbs (WN) def. Olivia 6-1, 6-3; No. 2--Beth Pyan (WN) def. Stephanie Rybicki 6-1, 6-0; No. 3--Paige Burgett won by forfeit; No. 4--Megan Connolly (WN) won by forfeit.

Doubles: No. 1--Pam Buntin/Jen Meverden (WN) def. Sam Heeg/Molly Sigler 6-0, 6-3; No. 2--Allie Kallstram/Melissa Polzer (WN) def. Tori Severin/Kirsten Clark 6-1, 6-0; No. 3--Sarah Theisen/Erica Hartke (WN) def. Emma Voelker/Liz Becker 6-0, 6-0.