The No. 15 Maroons are fresh off a weekend of three straight wins and a tournament title, and will be looking to keep the streak alive this weekend against a pair of conference opponents. The Maroons are set to face No. 9 Wash U and No. 22 Case Western Reserve in a UAA double-header. The squad currently stands at 8–3 overall but will face a stern test this weekend against some tough opponents.
Last weekend, the South Siders rattled off a trio of victories in the Midwest Invite. The team crushed Carthage 9–0 on Friday, and followed it up by earning a convincing 5–2 win over Kenyon in the semifinals. After winning four singles bouts, the Maroons’ top pair, consisting of fourth-year Lucy Tang and first-year Rachel Kim, was able to win the first doubles match and propel the team to the finals. In the deciding contest, the team was able to defeat UW–Whitewater by a count of 5–3. Despite trailing 2–1 after the doubles round, the Maroons bounced back and won four singles matches to secure the win and hoist the trophy.
“Our matches last weekend challenged us in several ways,” second-year player Courtney Warren said. “Overcoming the challenges we faced last weekend definitely gives us momentum heading into our matches this weekend. We know that we have to start these matches with the same intensity and energy we had when things got tough last time around.”
Looking forward, the team hopes to continue its recent success in back-to-back contests against Wash U and Case Western. These match-ups will also serve as valuable preparation for the UAA Championships, which are coming up at the end of this month. On Saturday, the squad will have their hands full against their bitter rivals, who come into the match ranked in the top 10. The Bears currently boast an overall record of 10–6, but are coming off a 5–4 upset loss to UW–Whitewater in the Midwest Invite. That being said, the rest of their defeats have come at the hands of highly ranked teams. Therefore, the Bears will pose as a tough test for the young, but confident, Chicago team.
Then on Sunday, the squad will face off against Case Western Reserve. The Spartans have managed to string together four consecutive victories. This season, they have amassed a record of 11–3 although against a less formidable slate of opponents. However, they come into the contest ranked No. 22 in the country. Last year, Chicago defeated the Spartans in the first round of the UAA Championship by a score of 8–1. The Maroons will be looking for a similar result this weekend against their UAA foe.
Regarding the upcoming matches, Warren said, “We are focusing on our team energy and positivity. I think now instead of being worried about challenge, we are ready and excited for it.”
Chicago will take that positive energy to the court on Saturday when they face Wash U at 5 p.m. at the Evergreen Racquet and Fitness Club. The match against Case Western Reserve will take place the following morning at 9 a.m.
