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Turek, Janssens turn in their final exam
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MADISON - Matt Turek and Levi Janssens didn't want to let go of the hands of the proverbial thorn in their side Friday afternoon.

As Monroe's seniors shook hands, congratulating Dirk VanRyboeck and Phil Paradise of Madison Edgewood for the fourth time this season, the Cheesemakers' No. 1 doubles team said goodbye on the clay court at Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison.

After winning a nail-biting first-round WIAA state tournemant match over Phil Dieringer and Al Kolpanen Thursday at 9:25 p.m., Monroe came out firing Friday. Levi Janssens sizzled behind the service line to stake Monroe to a 1-0 lead.

"Out of the gates, things were looking good; Levi served incredibly well," Turek said.

But, after playing two competitive games but falling behind 2-1, the disparity between the squads became glaring as the now 25-0 Crusaders duo locked in.

"We'd hit a shot we knew was a winner and they'd get to it and hit a winner of their own," Turek said

"Once they got rolling, it was like, 'Alright, when is it gonna end?'"

While Monroe didn't take another game and fell, 6-1, 6-0, they entered the second set with a simplified mentality.

"We just wanted to get to as many games as possible," Turek said.

Monroe closed in on a few game points, but the Crusaders buckled down and closed things out.

The four athletes are all friendly off the court and, while Turek hates to say goodbye to his kindred partner, he'll be back in Madison tomorrow should the Crusaders keep crusing through tonight's quarterfinals.

"Now that they've beaten us, I hope they go all the way," Turek said.

At Tuesday's tennis banquet, Turek and Janssens received the Monroe squad's honors as the most valuable players while Patrick Gellings won the most improved award and Nick Hendrickson received the coaches' award. Turek and Janssens' final season record was 14-11.