NORMAN, Okla. – Despite the improved recent play of the Badgers (3-2), the Mean Green proved too much to handle.
Wisconsin started the match on the right note, taking the first point of the match against North Texas. Sophomore Kendall Kirsch and senior Sydney Rider teamed up to take down UNT's Alexis Thoma and Minying Liang, 6-2, while junior Kelsey Grambeau and freshman Christina Zordani worked together to knock off Ivana Babic and Alexandra Heczey, also by a score of 6-2.
However, after grabbing the doubles point, Wisconsin was unable to push past North Texas' stiff singles competition.
Playing at the No. 5 position, Zordani notched the first singles point for the Badgers with a three-set win over Haruka Sasaki, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. Zordani is now 3-2 in her first collegiate spring season.
Grambeau scored the second singles point for the Badgers competing at the No. 2 spot. Going head-to-head against North Texas' Tamuna Kutubidze, Grambeau knocked her down in three sets, 7-5, 6-7 (7-2), 7-5.
Despite their shortcomings, freshman Michelle Linden and Kirsch demonstrated valiant efforts at the No. 3 and No. 4 spot, respectively, both taking their Mean Green opponents to three sets.
The Badgers continue play in Norman, Okla. Sunday morning as they come face-to-face with host, Oklahoma University. First serve is scheduled for 10 a.m. (CT).
Results
North Texas 4 – Wisconsin 3Â
Singles
1. Maria Kononova (NT) def. Maria Avgerinos (WIS), 6-2, 6-3
2. Kelsey Grambeau (WIS) def. Tamuna Kutubidze (NT), 7-5, 6-7 (7-2), 7-5
3. Alexis Thoma (NT) def. Michelle Linden (WIS), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
4. Minying Liang (NT) def. Kendall Kirsch (WIS), 6-1, 2-6, 6-2
5. Christina Zordani (WIS) def. Haruka Sasaki (NT), 6-0, 4-6, 6-3
6. Laura Arciniegas (NT) def. Sydney Rider (WIS), 7-5, 6-3
Doubles
1. Maria Kononova/Tamuna Kutubidze (NT) vs. Maria Avgerinos/Melissa Pick (WIS), unfinished
2. Kelsey Grambeau/Christina Zordani (WIS) def. Ivana Babic/Alexandra Heczey (NT), 6-2
3. Kendall Kirsch/Sydney Rider (WIS) def. Alexis Thoma/Minying Liang (NT), 6-2
