Sophomore Kristy Frilling and senior Kali Krisik represented the Irish at the Midwest Regional championships this past weekend in Evanston, Ill. The duo claimed runner-up finishes in both the doubles and singles competitions.
The 15th-ranked doubles tandem coasted into the finals behind 8-2 and 8-0 victories before falling 8-6 in the championship match to DePaul Monday morning. The loss ends Notre Dame's bid for a fifth consecutive Midwest Regional Doubles Championship.
"Kristy and Kali have had a very good fall," Irish coach Jay Louderback said. "The more they play together the tougher they will be. I think they have a chance to be one of the top teams in the country this year."
After failing to clinch an automatic berth that comes with winning the championship, the doubles pair will have to wait and see if they will receive an at-large bid into the National Indoor Tournament next month in New Haven, Conn.
In singles competition, Frilling took the court for the Irish, reeling off two straight-set victories on her way to the championship final. In the final, she was defeated 6-1, 6-3 by top-ranked Maria Mosolova of Northwestern.
Despite the setback, Louderback praised the tremendous strides Frilling has made since her freshman campaign a year ago.
"Kristy is playing more of an all-around game and can still play with power," he said. "She is developing more ways to adjust to different game styles."
Last week, Frilling was tapped to represent Team USA at the fourth annual Master'U BNP Paribas tournament in Poitiers, France. Former Irish standout and current Illinois women's tennis coach Michelle Dasso will coach the three-woman squad during the week-long tournament.
"It is a great honor for one of three women's college players to represent the United States and Notre Dame," Louderback said. "Her doubles ability along with being a very good singles player will be an asset for the US team."
Before heading to France, Frilling will lead the Irish into its opening match of the season at the Western Michigan Invitational Nov. 6 in Kalamazoo, Mich.
