ELKHORN — Monroe’s girls tennis team lost 2-5 to Oregon March 26, but two of the five losses came down to tiebreakers.

“We rolled out the same lineup as last week, and I was really happy with our performance,” Monroe coach Matt Bordner said. “I think we showed some major strides compared to our last match which is really exciting. To compete this well with a solid Oregon team was a lot of fun for all of us.”

At No. 1 singles, junior Kylie Miller picked up her first win of the season, and her first singles win of her career, 6-1, 6-4 over Ellie Koopman. “She played a really tough and long match, and did a fantastic job of just keeping the ball in play. Her consistency won her the match,” Bordner said.

Monroe’s other win came at No. 4 singles, where Alicia Brunton defeated Kimberly Urban in a tiebreaker, 6-3, 4-6, 10-7. 

“Alicia Brunton picked up her first win at the varsity level with a fantastic battle at No. 4 singles. Her and her opponent played similar styles and both hit the ball really well,” Bordner said. “This match went right to the very end of our allotted time we had at the indoor courts, and so it was fun to see it come down to the wire. Alicia did a great job of refocusing midway through the 2nd set and I was really proud of how she finished out her match with the tiebreaker.”

Brunton’s sisters, Bella and Melena, lost their No. 1 doubles match 6-4, 6-0. Monroe lost all three doubles matches, with Bre Giasson and Sydney Conway fall at No. 2 doubles 6-2, 7-6 (5), and Maddy Wels and Morgan Johnson losing in a tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles, 6-4, 5-7, 10-5.

“At No. 1 doubles, Melena and Bella again showed some promise with a competitive. This season will be all about gaining experience for them and just making baby steps towards high-level tennis,” Bordner said. “No. 2 and 3 doubles really elevated their play today. Oregon’s doubles teams brought a lot of energy, and I feel like we did a good job of matching that energy.”

At No. 2 singles, Cecily Burch lost 6-2, 6-0 to Elena Behdad. “She couldn’t really find a groove, and we definitely have to tip our caps to her opponent, who did a great job with shot placement and moving Cecily around,” Bordner said.

Allison Wunschel lost at No. 3 singles to Anna Martin, 6-4, 6-2. “Allison continues to grow as a tennis player and played a nice match,” Bordner said. “She’s another player that will just grow and improve each and every match she plays this season, especially with how young she is. Her consistency is improving and her serve is coming along as well.”

Monroe was to play at Verona March 30, then hosts Monona Grove April 3.