JANESVILLE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The UW-Eau Claire women's tennis team defeated UW-La Crosse in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Team Tournament semifinal match Saturday afternoon. With the victory the Blugolds advanced to the WIAC Championship, but fell to UW-Whitewater 0-6 in the championship match.

The Blugold women entered the semifinal match ranked No. 15th in the region with an 18-1 overall record. While UW-La Crosse was ranked No. 16 in the region and had a 17-3 overall record. Eau Claire took an early lead, winning two of three doubles matches. Natalie Wijesinghe (Apple Valley, MN) and senior Sarah Henderson (Prior Lake, MN) earned a hard fought 8-6 win over Bellissimo/Spahn (UWL) at the number one doubles slot.  Hannah Zevenbergen (Baldwin, WI/ Baldwin-Woodville) paired with Kendra Berry (Duluth, MN) were victorious at the number three doubles slot, winning 8-4 and giving Eau Claire a 2-1 lead headed into singles play. In singles action Henderson kept rolling with a 6-3, 6-1 victory at the two slot, while Molly Stewart (Amery, WI) had a come back win over Clope (UWL). Emily Cooper (White Bear, Minn./ Mahtomedi) defeated Bublitz (UWL) 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 at the five singles slot giving the Blugolds the edge and the win. 

The Blugolds advance to the WIAC Championship, but fell to last years champions UW-Whitewater 6-0. With the win the Warhawks earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship in May. 

Eau Claire finishes the season 19-1 and 2nd in the WIAC.