MONROE — With the lineup is adjusted with No. 1 singles player Chris Andraski sidelines, the Cheesemakers were handed a 6-1 loss May 20 to Monona Grove, a challenger for the Badger South Conference title.
“Our singles lineup was totally outmatched as MG has one of the best singles lineups in the conference,” said Matt Bordner, Monroe’s coach. “Their No. 1 (Chase Lindwall) should make some noise in postseason play and is fun to watch. The Lindwalls and Nelsons have been very strong tennis families for MG through the years and this year was no different.”
The Silver Eagles blanked Monroe up and down the singles circuit. Lindwall blanked Monroe freshman Ryan Mathiason 6-0, 6-0 in the top flight, while Lance Nelson defeated Ethan Towne by the same margin at No. 2 singles. Monroe’s No. 3 and No. 4 singles, Chris Giasson and Tim Olson, also lost 6-0, 6-0.
The doubles were a different story. Monroe’s top flight tandem of Charlie Frehner and Aaron Roidt rose to the challenge and defeated Lincoln Metcalfe and Carter Ryan 6-2, 6-4.
“They stayed hot tonight and I think is setting themselves up for a nice strong finish to the season. Aaron and Charlie are working on the small things and that’s what it takes to be good in the No. 1 flight,” Bordner said. “Our other doubles teams are showing some promise but just haven’t been able to play complete matches yet.”
At No. 2 doubles, Gavin Eckerman and Mitch Ferguson dominated early but went on to lose 0-6, 6-3, 6-1.
“Mitch and Gavin had a great first set but I think just lost some confidence and energy as the match wore on. You have to give credit to MG for sticking with it and not giving up,” Bordner said.
Freshmen Wes Saunders and James Seagreaves played together at No. 3 singles, but lost 6-1, 6-0.
“We tried out Wes and James together at doubles and I really think they are a pair that can develop together. We have a bunch of sophomores and freshmen getting varsity experience right now, and long-term that experience will benefit them as long as they keep getting better and working hard in practice,” Bordner said.
Up next for the Cheesemakers is a busy 3-day stretch of duals. Monroe is at Watertown May 26, then hosts Edgewood May 27. On May 28, the Cheesemakers go to Janesville Parker for a nonconference dual. After Memorial Day weekend, Monroe hosts Edgerton June 1 for yet another nonconference dual.