The Falcon women's tennis team hosted their last regular season match against UW-Eau Claire on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Ramer Field Tennis Courts. The weather did not disappoint for this competitive matchup between a perennial top three team in the conference in UW-Eau Claire and the Falcons who continue to climb the competitive ranks of the conference.
The Blugolds entered the conference in second place and the Falcons in fifth, but that didn't deter this tough minded UW-RF team from thinking anything different than playing their best. All three doubles points were won by the Blugolds team ending the doubles round leading the Falcons 3-0.
#1 doubles Kailey Courteau and Abbie Reed continued their strong play despite losing 8-3. #2 doubles Gabby Potthoff and Karyn Duddeck teamed up but their efforts were not enough against a strong Blugold team losing 8-0.
#3 doubles team Delaney Osmond and Macy Ragsdale fought hard in a losing effort 8-2.
"Our doubles faced some really strong competition today and I am very proud of their efforts. Although we knew it was going to be a tough go, we played like champions and this will continue to make us better," said head coach Dan Stumpf
Singles play started with hopes the Falcons could turn the tide in a few matches and put a few points on the board. However, the Blugolds were too consistent overall and the Falcons were unable to generate any momentum to capture a singles point losing all 6 positions. The feature match was turned in by #1 singles Kailey Courteau losing in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. Courteau hung close in both sets and lost some key points which made the difference in the match. Courteau fought off 7 match points before the Bluegold player could finally close out the match.
"Kailey's determination is surreal. She really knows how to dig down deep and play each point with focus no matter what. Seeing her fight the way she did on all those match points was so impressive," added Stumpf.
The Falcons #2 Abbie Reed lost in straight sets 6-1, 6-2 against a strong Eau Claire player that really hit the ball with pace and moved Reed around.
"Abbie continues to give a great effort," said Stumpf.
#4 singles Karyn Duddeck had a close first set, but the Bluegold player was just too much in the second taking the match 6-3, 6-0. #5 singles Delaney Osmond once again kept her opponent on the court in the longest match of the day despite a 6-1, 6-1 loss. #6 singles Kaedyn Kirchner hit plenty of balls in her match, but was just out rallied by her opponent and lost 6-1, 6-0.
Today's senior day gave lone Senior Gabby Potthoff the opportunity to play in front of a nice crowd of parents and friends as her regular season college tennis career came to an end. Potthoff tried to match her success from a day ago, but the Blugold player would not relinquish a set downing Potthoff 6-1, 6-3.
"Gabby is a special player. She is such a smart player with the will to win every time out. We are going to miss Gabby's influence on our team. We have all been fortunate to be around such a positive player that has made a huge impact on our program. Many thanks to her for her leadership and we wish her the best life has to offer, " Stumpf said
The Falcons will now head to UW-Whitewater for the season ending WIAC tournament on Saturday, April 24, 2021 to face UW-Stevens Point in the first round of the single elimination team tournament. This year's tournament has been adjusted from the normal flighted format this year due to COVID-19.
