Wilmot sophomore drops match against third-place Corwin
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
While Wilmot Union High School’s Bianca Andersen cruised in her first round match at the WIAA Division 1 individual state tennis meet, the Southern Lakes Conference champion at No. 1 singles ran into a buzz saw against Brookfield East senior Emma Corwin.
Andersen, who appeared as a special qualifier thanks to her 23-4 record, advanced to the second round following a straight set win against Watertown junior Ricki Budewitz, 6-1, 7-5.
With an opportunity to avenge last season’s sectional loss, Andersen faced Corwin, but came up short in a 6-0, 6-0 defeat.
However, according to Panthers’ coach Lisa Obertin, Andersen made the No. 5 seeded Corwin work for all of her points.
“Bianca hit the ball well against Emma and made her work for the points,” Obertin said. “Bianca lost to Emma last year in the sectional and this was a far better match than last year.”
Although Andersen lost, Obertin stated her opponent exceeded expectations, placing third after her three-set loss in the state semifinal.
“Corwin played great at state,” Obertin said. “She lost a three setter in the semis and ended up taking third.”
However, as the sophomore concluded her season, Obertin believes Andersen can produce a better performance at the state tennis meet next year.
“If Bianca keeps working as hard as she has this past year, she has a very good chance of breaking into a more elite group of players,” she said. “It would be great to see her in the top 12 next year.”
Before Andersen’s appearance, the Panthers last state qualifier was Mikayla Coose three years ago, when she advanced to the second round.