MONROE — The Cheesemakers lost back-to-back dual matches to Portage and Oregon.

In the Sept. 13 loss to Portage, the Cheesemakers could smell victory, but instead fell 4-3.

“We played a very tight conference match with Portage and came up just short,” said coach Matt Bordner. “It was definitely a match that seems like it slipped away from us a bit. I think our effort was there but there were just too many unforced errors in important points. I also think we still have a lot of room for improvement in the mental side of this sport too. This team works hard and wants to win, but finding ways to not get frustrated after mistakes is something that has to improve if we’re going to see team success.”

Bella Brunton won Monroe’s lone single match in the third flight, defeating Ruby Atkinson in the closest of matches, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-5.

“Bella Brunton played nearly a 3-hour match at No. 3 singles. She had a slow start and was down 0-3, and on the changeover we talked only about the mental side of things and giving each new point a fresh start. She really responded well and from there played neck-and-neck with her opponent,” Bordner said. “It was a wild match with many long rallies, and I give credit to both girls for never giving up on any ball. Kudos to Bella for gritting out a big win in that match.”

At No. 2 doubles, Melena Brunton and Morgan Johnson battled for a 7-5 6-4 victory over Portage. 

“They played a steady match and came up with a nice win,” Bordner said.

Monroe’s No. 3 doubles team of Bre Giasson and Allison Wunschel cruised to a 6-2, 6-0 victory. 

At No. 1 doubles, Sydney Conway and Lydia Setterstrom lost a 3-set nail-biter, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

“It was definitely a roller-coaster type of match. I was interested to see how Lydia and Syd would respond after a few tough matches last week. They had a slower start in the first set but really caught fire in the second set and went up 4-0 in the third set,” Bordner said. “To go on and lose that 3rd set was definitely tough, and another great learning moment for them. I think for Lydia and Syd, it’s all about keeping each other up and working through losing points and moving on to the next point with renewed focus.”

At No. 1 singles, Kylie Miller lost to Izzy Krueger 6-3, 6-4.

“Kylie played a close match but again fell short,” Bordner said. “I think Kylie is close to putting it all together in terms of figuring out how to generate consistent points at No. 1 singles, but really just needs to tighten up her approach balls and play at the net. She does a lot of things pretty well, but I think if she can find a true ‘weapon’ in her arsenal of strokes then it will really help advance her game.”

Alicia Brunton lost in the second singles flight, 6-0, 6-2, and Vaugh Barker fell at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 6-0.

“Moving forward, our team goal gets a little muddier. We really wanted to focus on picking up team conference wins, and this feels like one that we let slip away,” Bordner said. “The beauty of this sport, and any sport, is that there is always more work today in improving your game. Hopefully we let this fuel us and can learn from our mistakes and apply that to the rest of our busy week this week.”

The next day the Cheesemakers were swept at Oregon, 7-0. 

“Our doubles teams played well and I thought coming into the match that we’d have a chance in all of the doubles matches,” Bordner said. 

At No. 3 doubles, Giasson and Wunschel lost a heartbreaker 2-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5. Johnson and Melena Brunton dropped the No. 2 doubles match 6-4, 6-4, and Conway and Setterstrom were defeated 6-4, 6-2.

“No. 3 doubles was especially close, as it really came down to a few points that we just didn’t close out. Bre Giasson battled through an ankle injury and was all over the court, and Allison played one of her best matches at the net,” Bordner said.

In the singles matches, Miller was blanked 6-0, 6-0 in the top flight; Alicia Brunton dropped a No. 2 singles match 6-1, 6-1; Bella Brunton lost at No. 3 singles, 6-3, 6-1; and Barker was defeated 6-2, 6-4.

“In singles Vaughn Barker played a nice match, which was great to see. She’s been working back from a foot injury and her confidence in her movement just hasn’t quite been there. Tonight she looked really loose though and moved around great and so it was nice to see her play a great match like I know she can,” Bordner said.