MADISON, Wis. – The No. 21 Wisconsin women's tennis team (19-5) is moving on to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. The Badgers took down No. 61 Northwestern 4-0 in West Lafeyette, Indiana on Friday to book their spot in the next round.
 
The Badgers had one thing in mind heading into their match, win and move on. Ava Markham and Maria Sholokhova set the tone in their doubles match against Briana Crowley and Justine Leong, winning 6-1 to start the day. Xinyu Cai and Alina Mukhortova proceeded to clinch the doubles point after beating Christina Hand and Sydney Pratt, 6-1.
 
No. 53 Markham came out flying once again for the Badgers in singles, beating Maria Shusharina in two sets 6-2, 6-2. No. 125 Xinyu Cai gave Wisconsin its third overall point after coming out on top against Aino Alkio 6-3, 6-1. No. 69 Sholokhova sealed the win for the Badgers after winning against Leong 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.
 
Next up, Wisconsin plays top seed Michigan at 9 a.m. (CT) in West Lafayette for a place in the finals. Michigan is the No. 1 seed in the tournament while Wisconsin is the No. 4 seed.

Sunday, April 28

Doubles against Northwestern
Ava Markham/Maria Sholokhova (WIS) def. Briana Crowley/Justine Leong (NUW) 6-1
Xinyu Cai/Alina Mukhortova (WIS) def. Christina Hand/Sydney Pratt (NUW) 6-1
Charmaine Seah/Taylor Cataldi (WIS) vs. Aino Alkio/Maria Shusharina (NUW) 4-3, unfinished
 
Singles against Northwestern
#53 Ava Markham (WIS) def. Maria Shusharina (NUW) 6-2, 6-2
#69 Maria Sholokhova (WIS) def. Justine Leong (NUW) 7-6 (7-3), 6-3
Taylor Cataldi (WIS) vs. #120 Christina Hand (NUW) 7-6 (7-4), 5-3, unfinished
Alina Mukhortova (WIS) vs. Briana Crowley (NUW) 7-5, 2-6, 5-2, unfinished
#125 Xinyu Cai (WIS) def. Aino Alkio (NUW) 6-3, 6-1
Charmaine Seah (WIS) vs. Sydney Pratt (NUW) 7-5, 2-6, 1-0, unfinished
 
Result: Wisconsin 4, Northwestern 0
 
Order of Finish: Singles (1,5,2) Doubles (1,2)