Arrowhead and USM Capture Back-to-Back Girls Tennis State Team Titles

The greater Milwaukee area witnessed two consecutive girls tennis state team champions as Arrowhead secured its third Division 1 state championship since 2014, and University School of Milwaukee continued its dominant run with their 11th state title in Division 2 since 2004.

Arrowhead emerged victorious against top-seeded Middleton with five wins in the seven-match final. At the same time, USM defeated Xavier with six wins out of seven matches, securing their second consecutive state title for the third time in program history (2004-07, 2011-12).

In the D1 quarterfinals, the second-seeded Warhawks triumphed over the No. 7 seed Eau Claire Memorial. They then defeated No. 6 Neenah in the semifinals before clinching the final against Middleton once again. USM, entering the semifinals as the top seed, dominated their opponents in both the semifinal against Aquinas and the final against Xavier, winning 13 out of 14 matches.

The champions of the title match for Arrowhead included Emily Muresan at No. 2 singles (6-2, 7-5), Mekenna Verhagen at No. 3 singles (6-4, 6-3), Lily Liu and Sarah Neubert at No. 1 doubles (6-4, 6-3), Lily Schulz and Jacquelyn Cox at No. 2 doubles (6-4, 6-3), and Taylor Kehoss and Rachel Radish at No. 3 doubles (6-3, 6-0).

This was the first time since 2011 that a program swept a division’s singles, doubles, and team titles. USM’s team title marked the first time in girls tennis history that a Division 2 team won all three titles in the individual and team tournaments.

Division 2 state singles champion Angela Wang showcased an exceptional performance, not dropping a single game at No. 1 singles in both matches on Saturday for the Wildcats. Aubrey Jayne (6-3, 6-0) and Wynter Maitland (6-1, 6-1) also clinched victories in the title match at No. 2 and 3 singles, respectively.

Division 2 state doubles champions Isabel Werner and Mia Darr (6-4, 6-1) concluded their partnership in style with two victories at No. 1 doubles. Haley Erlich and Lindsey Gardner (6-2, 6-1) made a strong impact at No. 2 doubles, while Ella McDonald and Olivia Gourlay (7-6 (4), 6-1) secured a crucial team point during the final.

Reflecting on their victory, Werner and Darr were overwhelmed with emotion. They hugged each other and their coach, Matt Flack, as tears of happiness flowed.

Werner tearfully expressed, “I was crying because I was so happy that we won the title, but it was bittersweet knowing that this was my last time with all of these girls and my last match with Mia. It really showed the magic of team state.”

The duo, along with singles star Angela Wang, have been instrumental in USM’s success over the past few seasons. However, they were quick to acknowledge the contributions of their teammates.

Darr praised Wynter Maitland, stating, “I think Wynter is one of those players who isn’t recognized enough for what she does for our team. Without her, we would not be the team that we are.”

Wang, in her usual lighthearted manner, playfully described Darr’s impact on the team. She said, “Mia runs on coffee. The rest of us, not so much.”

In response, Darr enthusiastically confirmed, “I do run on coffee. I have a specific playlist that I play during every practice. It could be a Monday afternoon when no one wants to play tennis, and I’ll be like, ‘Let’s go! We got this!'”

Wang also emphasized the bond within the team, comparing it to a group of sisters. Werner and Darr responded with joy, noting how the team’s camaraderie made them feel like they were in a Hallmark movie.

Arrowhead, on the other hand, became the first repeat Division 1 state champion since Homestead’s four-peat from 2016 through 2019. In the finals against Middleton, Emily Muresan, a sophomore, remained composed and clinched the decisive victory at No. 2 singles.

Arrowhead head coach Jack Watermolen praised Muresan’s performance under pressure, stating, “She performed under incredible amounts of stress. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a 15-year-old girl, but she really pulled it through.”

Muresan admitted that she was nervous but managed to maintain her confidence, leading to her ultimate triumph. She expressed her surprise and excitement upon discovering that her victory had secured the title for Arrowhead.

This year’s girls tennis state team championships showcased the exceptional talent, teamwork, and emotions that make the sport memorable.

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