MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's tennis team challenged Xavier University for the first time in women's dual play and the match proved to be grueling. However, the Badgers (3-1) earned a 5-2 win over the Musketeers on Sunday afternoon, running their win streak to three straight matches.

 "I'm exceptionally proud of the fight and the competing from start to finish," Kelcy McKenna said.

Sophomore Kendall Kirsch fought like a true Badger. After recovering from a minor injury, Kirsch has seen little action since October. Playing at the No. 3 position, she seems to be finding her groove, defeating Lauren Ghidotti 7-6 (7-2), 6-4.

"It feels great to be back playing and competing," Kirsch said. "My endurance was tested today, but I did my best to push through it and fight for my team. After our doubles match, Kelcy told us to play for each other, and that's what everyone did today."

Freshman Christina Zordani finished strong at the No. 4 spot for the Badgers. Taking on Xavier's Rachael Reichenbach, Zordani shut her down in two quick sets, 6-3, 6-2.

Senior Sydney Rider went the distance with a three-set win against Sophia Abelson, 6-7 (7-5), 6-4, 6-1.

At the No. 1 spot, senior Maria Avgerinos won her third-straight match, outlasting Xavier's Sydney Liggins, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.  

In doubles action, Zordani and Grambeau started the Badgers off on the right foot at the No. 2 position. They claimed an early 6-2 victory over Xavier's Liggins and Abelson. Kirsch and Rider were the second pair to finish, beating Rachael Reichenbach and Lauren Fitz-Randolph, 6-4.

The Badgers hit the road to Norman, Okla. for another jam-packed weekend. On Saturday, February 11, they take on North Texas, before battling host Oklahoma on Sunday, February 12.

Results

Wisconsin 5 – Xavier 2

Singles
1. Maria Avgerinos (WIS) def. Sydney Liggins (XU), 7-5, 5-7, 6-3
2. Cristina Di Lorenzo (XU) def. Kelsey Grambeau (WIS), 6-7 (7-4), 6-4, 6-1
3. Kendall Kirsch (WIS) def. Lauren Ghidotti (XU) 7-6 (7-2), 6-4
4. Christina Zordani (WIS) def. Rachael Reichenbach (XU), 6-3, 6-2
5. Vanina Iordanova (XU) def. Melissa Pick (WIS), 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3)
6. Sydney Rider (WIS) def. Sophia Abelson (XU) 6-7 (7-5), 6-4, 6-1

Doubles
1. Pick/Avgerinos (WIS) vs. Di Lorenzo/Ghidotti (XU), unfinished
2. Zordani/Grambeau (WIS) def. Liggins/Abelson (XU), 6-2
3. Kirsch/Rider (WIS) def. Reichenbach/Fitz-Randolph (XU), 6-4