More of the same

After a sluggish start to its dual against McFarland, the Baraboo High School girls tennis team got a chance to make up for it.

That didn't work out too well, for the most part, though.

All six spots in the Thunderbirds' lineup lost their first set when the dual started nearly two weeks ago, but then rain interrupted play and Wednesday became the makeup date.

While BHS appeared to have more intensity this time around, the result was pretty similar: Baraboo was swept in straight sets.

"Unfortunately, we picked up where we left off," BHS head coach Karll Kruse said. "Our two and three doubles kids fought and we hung with them, but it didn't go our way."

As Kruse suspected coming into the season, his young singles players have had a rough trial by fire so far. Singles wins have been rare, as the inexperience there has been magnified by the tough competition the T-Birds have been up against week in and week out.

The doubles matches have been another story though. While the No. 2 and 3 doubles teams have rotated players, they've both been successful spots in the lineup. The No. 1 team, which features seniors Mya Flentje and Rachel Holtz has had good days and bad days.

Wednesday was a bad day.

After dropping the first set of the match, 6-0, the team got down 5-0 in the second set before losing it 6-2.

"I know they're better than that," Kruse said. "Sometimes there's a concern that something's missing, but usually they bring it to the table.

"These two are our most experienced kids and they're great kids. They're not a typical doubles team, but they can be a great team."

At No. 2 doubles, Hilary Bildsten and Jenny Kuschman had the closest match of the dual before losing 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).

Bildsten and Kuschman took a while to get going, but they got stronger as they went on.

"We came in with a positive attitude, and that helped us a lot," Bildsten said. "I think it was just having a new partner. We got used to each other today."

Kuschman said they were more fired up about playing after the rainout.

"I think it made us want to do better," she said. "I think we were both more confident too because we both won (Tuesday) night. That always helps."

Kristen McReath and Bianca Martin lost the No. 3 doubles match, 6-4, 6-3.

In singles action, Baraboo couldn't get anything going.

Jessica Labeots at No. 1 and Katie Philabaum at No. 3 each won three games in their first sets, but that's as close as anyone got. Lydia Greve at No. 2 and Kayla Christien also lost.

McFarland 7, Baraboo 0

Singles

1. Hannah Polipnick (M) def. Jessica Labeots, 6-3, 6-0; 2. Jenny Ujke (M) def. Lydia Greve, 6-2, 6-0; 3. Elisabeth Radloff (M) def. Katie Philabaum, 6-3, 6-0; 4. Allison Doughtery (M) def. Kayla Christien, 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles

1. Cheyanne Urso and Theresa Dietzel (M) def. Mya Flentje and Rachel Holtz, 6-0, 6-2; 2. Audra Cohen and Claire Blankenship (M) def. Hilary Bildsten and Jenny Kuschman, 6-3, 7-6 (5-7); 3. Kirsten Walker and Lisa Kosobucki (M) def. Kristen McReath and Bianca Martin, 6-4, 6-3.