MONROE - Monroe High School senior Silas Setterstrom can't forget last year's state tennis tournament. It's like a mosquito that keeps gnawing at him.
Last year in his first state appearance, Setterstrom lost a first-round match to Whitewater's Brodie Runez 6-4, 6-2, who he had defeated at the sectional tournament one week before the Division 2 state tournament.
"I'm happy to be back at state and get a chance to redeem myself from last year," Setterstrom said. "I think last year I went into the state tournament and really wanted to win. I really lost my focus of having fun, and I think that was part of the reason I lost. You really have to have fun."
Setterstrom (17-9) will play East Troy senior Vince Baxter (18-1) in a first-round match at the WIAA Division 2 state tournament today at the University of Wisconsin's Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison. As a sectional champion, Setterstrom received the eighth seed for the three-day state tournament.
"I'm happy with my draw," Setterstrom said. "It could have been a lot worse. I'm not going to take anything for granted. It's definitely my goal to make it to the quarterfinals. Being the eighth seed, I have a good draw, but I still have to come out confident and ready to make that happen."
Monroe coach Matt Bordner said Setterstrom is excited to get a top eight seed.
"Since Silas took first at the sectional, he goes into this match with a lot of momentum and a lot to be confident about," Bordner said. "I think he deserves it (eighth seed). It's a nice compliment to his game. I think he has a decent shot of winning a couple of matches."
If Setterstrom can beat Baxter, a second-round match Friday against the winner of Madison Edgewood junior Hunter Dunn (12-2) and Kohler senior Archie Brohn (19-2) awaits. Dunn played No. 2 singles for the Crusaders this season. He had several matches at No. 1 singles, too.
First, Setterstrom is focused on being ready for his opening match. He spent several hours Monday hitting on tennis courts in Middleton with his private tennis coach.
"I know he (Baxter) could be a really good player," he said. "I'm not familiar with him so I have to be ready for anything. I'm more focused on playing well."
Setterstrom worked on his serving and returns Monday and Tuesday to gear up for the state tournament.
He's planning on getting to Nielsen several hours before his match. Setterstrom wants to watch several matches and make sure he's ready for his match.
"I want to find a court near Nielsen where I can get a good warm-up before my match," Setterstrom said. "It's definitely going to be a bigger atmosphere."
Last year in his first state appearance, Setterstrom lost a first-round match to Whitewater's Brodie Runez 6-4, 6-2, who he had defeated at the sectional tournament one week before the Division 2 state tournament.
"I'm happy to be back at state and get a chance to redeem myself from last year," Setterstrom said. "I think last year I went into the state tournament and really wanted to win. I really lost my focus of having fun, and I think that was part of the reason I lost. You really have to have fun."
Setterstrom (17-9) will play East Troy senior Vince Baxter (18-1) in a first-round match at the WIAA Division 2 state tournament today at the University of Wisconsin's Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison. As a sectional champion, Setterstrom received the eighth seed for the three-day state tournament.
"I'm happy with my draw," Setterstrom said. "It could have been a lot worse. I'm not going to take anything for granted. It's definitely my goal to make it to the quarterfinals. Being the eighth seed, I have a good draw, but I still have to come out confident and ready to make that happen."
Monroe coach Matt Bordner said Setterstrom is excited to get a top eight seed.
"Since Silas took first at the sectional, he goes into this match with a lot of momentum and a lot to be confident about," Bordner said. "I think he deserves it (eighth seed). It's a nice compliment to his game. I think he has a decent shot of winning a couple of matches."
If Setterstrom can beat Baxter, a second-round match Friday against the winner of Madison Edgewood junior Hunter Dunn (12-2) and Kohler senior Archie Brohn (19-2) awaits. Dunn played No. 2 singles for the Crusaders this season. He had several matches at No. 1 singles, too.
First, Setterstrom is focused on being ready for his opening match. He spent several hours Monday hitting on tennis courts in Middleton with his private tennis coach.
"I know he (Baxter) could be a really good player," he said. "I'm not familiar with him so I have to be ready for anything. I'm more focused on playing well."
Setterstrom worked on his serving and returns Monday and Tuesday to gear up for the state tournament.
He's planning on getting to Nielsen several hours before his match. Setterstrom wants to watch several matches and make sure he's ready for his match.
"I want to find a court near Nielsen where I can get a good warm-up before my match," Setterstrom said. "It's definitely going to be a bigger atmosphere."
