The women's tennis team traveled to Bloomington, Ind. last Friday with an opportunity to build on the momentum it had gained with two blowout wins at home Feb. 4. Much to head coach Jody Bronson's dismay, Marquette blew that opportunity.

The Golden Eagles lost 5-2 to Indiana State on Friday in what Bronson called a lackluster effort and were swept by No. 31 Indiana the next morning.

"First of all, Friday was a huge disappointment," Bronson said. "The coaches knew all week in practice that we looked bad. We got after them all week, they didn't respond, and we gave up a match that we could have won 5-2. Instead, we lost 5-2."

Not all was lost, though. Beba Calbeto, normally the No. 1 singles starter, played for the first time since defeating Illinois' Macall Harkins on Jan. 20. She manned the No. 2 slot in singles as she gets back to full speed. Calbeto lost to Indiana State's Joanne Schickerling 6-4, 6-2 at singles. At No. 1 doubles, she and Lauren Little lost 8-3 to Schickerling and Jennifer Migan.

Bronson was irate with the effort when she woke up Saturday morning, and talked to the team before they faced off with Indiana. Despite being swept 7-0, she said they responded well.

"Had we played Indiana State with the same amount of intensity we displayed against Indiana, we would have won Friday," she said.

Little and Calbeto both lost tight singles matches (6-3, 6-4 and 6-4, 1-6, 6-0, respectively). At No. 3 doubles, Dominika Dabrowski and Robin Metzler came out strong, but the duo lost 8-7 after relinquishing a late 6-5 lead.

Metzler was reduced to using her right hand only due to a sore left wrist. Assistant Valerie Vladea was pleased with the duo regardless of the result.

"I think that match in particular shows how we are able to compete," Vladea said. "It shows what the girls are made of when they are on top of their game."

The losses moves Marquette's team record to 2-5. Other than injuries, the biggest issue has been starting matches slowly. Many of the team members have fallen behind early and have to exert their energy clawing back into matches. Then when it comes down to the clutch they do not have any energy left. Playing from behind is a losing equation in any sport.

"We need to learn not to dig ourselves holes early," Bronson said. "We have to start ahead, not get behind then have to dig ourselves out of a hole. That's how you win, you start matches strong, so that way you're not always fighting just to get back in it."