The Valparaiso University women’s tennis team took the doubles point on Saturday, but host Drake won on all six singles courts for a 6-1 triumph at Roger Knapp Tennis Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Claire Czerwonka (Kenosha, Wis. / Saint Joseph Catholic Academy) reached a significant milestone, becoming the fifth player in program history with 50 career doubles victories.
How It Happened
- Valpo got off to a strong start by securing the doubles point. Amanda Tabanera (Valencia, Calif. / Valencia) and Isabella Schoolcraft (Bargersville, Ind. / Center Grove) topped Kelsey Neville and Daria Walczak 6-1 at No. 2 doubles in the first match to finish.
- The No. 1 duo of Claire and Olivia Czerwonka (Kenosha, Wis. / Saint Joseph Catholic Academy) polished off the doubles point with their 6-4 victory over Drake’s top tandem of Liza Petushkova and Maria Tatarnikova. Valpo fell 6-4 at No. 3 doubles.
- The tightest singles matches occurred at the top of the lineup. Claire collected a one-sided 6-1 win in the opening set at No. 1, but Petushkova bounced back to win the remaining sets 7-5, 6-2.
- Olivia’s set victory also came in lopsided fashion, as she won Set 2 6-0 over Walczak at second singles. However, Walczak took the opening set 6-3 and the decisive third set 6-4.
Inside the Match
- The Czerwonka sisters have won eight consecutive doubles matches.
- The victory at No. 1 doubles came over quality competition. Petushkova is a two-time member of the All-MVC Select Team (2017-18, 2018-19) and was part of the doubles tandem that was ranked No. 71 nationally in the ITA Doubles Rankings last March. She was also the 2017-18 MVC Freshman of the Year.
- Claire hit a milestone with the doubles victory, becoming just the fifth player in program history and first since 2007 to reach 50 career doubles triumphs. She also climbed into a tie for fourth in the program record book, drawing even with Monika Danko (2001-2005). Claire is just five doubles wins away from tying the program record.
Up Next
Valpo (6-9, 1-1 MVC) will host Missouri State on Saturday, April 10 at 3 p.m., the first of three home Missouri Valley Conference matches that mark the final three matches of the regular season.
