MCFARLAND — In a preview of the WIAA Division 1 Stoughton subsectional, Monroe saw how it would measure up against its opponents at the McFarland Quad on Monday, Aug. 21. The Cheesemakers went 1-2, defeating Madison La Follette and falling to McFarland and Monona Grove. 

“All three teams we played today are in our subsectional, so it was an important day in terms of making sure our effort was maximized,” Monroe head coach Matt Bordner said.

The Cheesemakers opened with a win despite losses at No. 1 and 2 singles. Instead, the doubles teams stepped up to take the sweep.

“Our girls battled hard for the wins in this dual,” Bordner said. “I was particularly proud of our doubles teams stepping up and picking up wins across the board. We still have a lot to work on with our doubles teams, but it was nice to see them start to apply some of the things we’ve been working on and talking about.”

Despite a 7-0 loss to McFarland in the second match, Bordner was pleased with underclassmen Adeline Eckerman and Ryann Dahlman.

“Coming in as a freshman, it’s really exciting to see Ryann competing at the varsity level and having success. She plays extremely well in pressure situations and I think she has a bright future on our tennis team,” Bordner said. “Adeline Eckerman also played a nice match at No. 3 singles and is off to a nice start this year for us.”

Monona Grove took all but one set from Monroe. Once again, freshman Dahlmann put up a strong performance at No. 3 doubles with partner Layla Pallesen to force a third set.