The UW Oshkosh tennis team traveled to Decorah, Iowa for a doubleheader against Luther College and Wartburg College April 20. Oshkosh was trying to turn around the five-game slump that marked the beginning of their spring season.

The Titans fell to both Luther and Wartburg in a pair of 7-2 losses. Head coach Robert Henshaw said despite the losses, there are plenty of things to be positive about moving forward.

“Junior Sami Koppa went undefeated in singles,” Henshaw said. “She was focused throughout the entire day and defeated two really solid players. In doubles, freshman Michelle Spicer and junior Alyssa Leffler also went undefeated for the day. They played the best doubles I’ve observed from them. They were all over the court hitting great returns, digging up tough volleys and finishing points with confidence.”

Koppa’s two victories came in a 7-5, 2-5 defeat of Luther’s Britta Pressler and a 6-1, 6-2 of Wartburg’s Hannah Fox. Koppa talked about her focus before and during her matches and just treating it like a normal day.

“My mindset going into the matches on Saturday was to have fun and play like I have been practicing,” Koppa said.

Coming up next for the Titans is the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Team Championship at UW-Whitewater, this Saturday, Henshaw and Koppa said they are excited for the conclusion of their spring season.

“I’m excited to watch Ashlee Polena play her last [regular season] tournament for UW Oshkosh,” Henshaw said. “She is the first player in my tenure as coach who has played for us for all four years of her eligibility. She is playing some of the best tennis of her life, and I would love to continue watching her play.”

Koppa agreed and noted how high-profile events bring out the best in her and her teammates.

“I love to compete,” Koppa said. “And Whitewater brings out the best tennis from all of the players on the team.”