MONROE — The Cheesemakers opened up conference play with a tough 7-0 loss against Monona Grove Aug. 30.

“Several of our girls played really nice first sets, but we struggled to keep the momentum going forward from there,” Monroe coach Matt Bordner said. “There were definitely some positives to take away as well as things to keep working on.”

In the No. 1 singles match, Emma Towne lost to defending state champion Hailey Munz in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

“Munz is making the switch to singles this year and is just a really great tennis player. Towne was outmatched but the experience was great for her and will only make her better,” Bordner said.

At No. 2 singles, Jewel Lindwall defeated Monroe’s Cierra Larson 6-1, 6-0.

“Cierra is getting more comfortable coming up to the net and just needs to work on finishing off points,” Bordner said.

Bekah Rath lost the No. 3 singles match to Payton Lee 6-1, 6-1.

“Bekah’s court movement has improved a lot this year, and we continue to work on her serve and power,” Bordner said.

Grace Mathiason, playing at No. 4 singles, was swept by Maelia Dziedzic 6-0, 6-0.

“Grace Mathiason is making the switch from doubles to singles and also faced a very tough opponent. (Dziedzic) moved Grace around the court a lot, which is good for Grace to see and learn from,” Bordner said. “(Mathison’s) development has come a long way, especially considering she just picked up the sport — her serves are becoming more consistent and we need to just keep working on her other strokes and court awareness.”

In the No. 1 doubles match, Grace Tostrud and Jensen Christensen lost to Monona Grove’s Peyton Blang and Kailey DeVault 7-5, 6-3.

“Jensen and Grace Tostrud played a close match with their opponents. They actually led 5-4 in the first set but couldn’t close the door on the match as their opponents won the next three games,” Bordner said. “Jensen’s serves were a real weapon in that first set, but I know but Jensen and Grace missed some shots that they normally hit. I really think this is a pair that Jensen and Grace could take if they continue to improve and play up to their full potential.”

Sam Huizenga and Becky Thoman, playing at No. 2 doubles, lost to Eva Khamphouy and Colleen Ross 6-4, 6-1.

“Becky and Sam also had a lead in their first set up 4-3 but couldn’t close the door on that set either. They worked the court well but need to keep getting more aggressive,” Bordner said.

The No. 3 doubles match saw Monroe’s Kerstin Miller and Jessa Lucas fall in three sets to Anna Brown and Katie Klauser, 0-6, 6-4, 7-5.

“Jessa and Kerstin had a very unusual match, winning their first set 6-0 without a problem. The next two sets were very tight, but they both missed some shots and just started playing a little tighter than that first set,” Bordner said.

The Cheesemakers were scheduled to travel to Watertown Tuesday and host Madison Edgewood Thursday. A rainout from an Aug. 28 match against Oregon has been rescheduled for Sept. 10.

“I think as a team, we need to figure out ways to close out matches better. We’ve generally shown strong first sets and weaker second sets so it’s something we will work on in practice with scenarios and spend more time focusing on,” Bordner said.