(CU Independent graphic/Adam Milner)
Oh starters, where art thou?
Playing without key singles starters seniors Monica Milewski and Camila Belassi, the CU women’s tennis team dropped their opening Big 12 match 7-0 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers Friday.
Milewski and Belassi, ranked No. 1 and No. 3 respectively, were unavailable for the Lincoln road trip due to undisclosed disciplinary action handed down by head coach Nicole Kenneally.
The Buffs (7-4, 0-1 Big 12) were swept in all three doubles matches and five of the six singles slots by the Cornhuskers (11-1, 1-0 Big 12), who played on their home turf after suffering a loss against Tulsa on Feb. 28.
Sophomore Michala Hedelund Jensen was the only Buff who pushed her match to a third set, but fell in her final set 6-7(5), 6-0, 1-0(5).
Belassi’s absence also affected the doubles starting line-up.
Ranked No. 57 nationally alongside doubles partner Belassi, senior Melissa Esposito instead played alongside junior Abbie Probert. They were unable to garner a win for the Buffs, falling 8-2 in the set.
The loss ends the Buffs’ four-match winning streak.
Colorado continues Big 12 play at Iowa State on 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Esteban L. Hernandez at Esteban.hernandez@colorado.edu.
