Tennis

GLENDALE, Wis. – The Mount Mary College tennis team was in position to upset cross-town rival Alverno in Thursday's final match of the season, but the Blue Angels came up just short, falling to the host Inferno 8-1. Despite what was seemingly a lopsided finish, six matches came down to a mishit here or a double fault there that ultimately decided the team competition.

"This match was an indication of how far this team has come," head coach Tom Troast said. "The outcome could have gone either way with close matches at No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 singles, and No. 1 and No. 3 doubles. Two lost match tiebreakers. If ever a final score was not an indicator of a contest, this was the night."

The Blue Angels' sole match victory came at No. 2 doubles as the tandem of junior Katie Wolk (Oshkosh, Wis.) and Krista Olson (Appleton, Wis.) won 8-5. The No. 1 doubles team of senior Briana Lock (Milwaukee, Wis.) and junior Kat Reynoso (Brookfield, Wis.) almost gave Mount Mary an early 2-1 lead after doubles competition, nearly knocking off the well-seasoned top Alverno doubles pair.

"I am so proud of the effort of Senior Briana Lock in her final match for the Angels," Troast said. "Bri has had to step up as a senior and play No. 1 singles and doubles all season against the area's best tennis players. Tonight, she played Goska, one of their conference's most talented players, shot for shot. And with Kat Reynoso, she almost upset one the best doubles team in this part of the state. Briana has been a rock for this program in transition, and she will be greatly missed as a player and wonderful teammate."

While the doubles competition drew on, No. 6 singles began on a fourth court where freshman Katelyn Reuter (Waukesha, Wis.) was locked into a heated battle. She, and eventually Wolk at No. 3 singles, both were sent into a first-to-10 point tiebreaker where both Blue Angels fell 10-8.

"Tiebreakers can be heart breakers," Troast said. "Both Katie and Kate Reuter lost their singles matches by one single shot. For Kate as a freshman such experience will prove invaluable as she continues to grow as a player."

After a winless campaign in 2011, the Blue Angels polished off their much-improved 2012 season with a 2-9 overall mark. And despite the loss recorded in the season finale, Coach Troast is confident the Mount Mary program will continue to flourish.

"To end our season on such a note was sweet and sour," Troast said. "No one ever enjoys losing, but this is the kind of match that will be a large part of our rebuilding. We have finished this season strong, got some wins, lost some very close matches, but improved along the way. I really believe we've moved to become a competitive team and relevant in the area's tennis scene.

"We have a lot of ladies returning and we'll add a few more pieces in the off-season. The Angels have committed to working hard to get ready for next season already. It has been my pleasure to work with such a hardworking, pleasant group of young athletes. Our campus could not choose better representatives for Mount Mary. I wish next season started tomorrow."