AURORA, Ill.-- The Mount Mary College tennis squad fell 9-0 to Aurora University Thursday night in its second of four matches in this opening week of competition. Significant high temperatures well into the 90-degree range hampered the Blue Angels' efforts as only three netters managed to win more than one set against her singles opponent.
"Our players dealt with very tough conditions today with the intense heat," head coach Tom Troast said. "Our learning curve continues as our younger players will come to understand that adjustment to conditions like these are part of the competitive process."
The match at Aurora featured the collegiate debut of Brooke Slamka at No. 3 doubles and the return of junior Briana Lock (Milwaukee, Wis.), who missed the first outing against Wisconsin Lutheran Monday.
Aurora jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after sweeping the singles competitions, which were played first Thursday afternoon. The Blue Angels fared a bit better in doubles competition, especially the team of freshman Krista Olson (Appleton, Wis.) and junior Carol Guillen (Milwaukee, Wis.). Olson and Guillen traded sets at No. 2 with their Spartan opponents before the Aurora tandem pulled away to take the matchup 8-4.
The injury bug reared its ugly head Thursday as well. Senior Katie Wolk (Oshkosh, Wis.) suffered heat exhaustion after her tough singles match at No. 1, while Lock went down with an ankle strain. Both were treated on site and are expected to make full recoveries before Saturday.
Mount Mary will again hit the road Saturday morning to Beloit College for a double-header. The Blue Angels will start the day a 9 a.m. against the host Buccaneers before taking on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at noon.
