Shorewood Tennis Claims 2025 State Title in Historic Fashion

Source: Shorewood Athletics

Shorewood’s underdog girls tennis team delivered a historic performance at the 2025 WIAA state team tournament in Madison to win the program’s first championship!

Entering the Division 2 bracket as the No. 4 seed, the Greyhounds faced daunting odds: since the WIAA adopted a four‑seed format in 2017, No. 4 seeds were winless (0‑8) and had combined to win only six matches, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Shorewood stunned top‑seeded Edgewood in the semifinal, winning 5‑2 to become the first No. 4 seed to advance to the championship match.

In the final, the Greyhounds rode their semifinal momentum to a dominant 6‑1 victory over Altoona, claiming the first state team title in program history. They won 11 matches in a single day — more than all previous No. 4 seeds combined since the format change.

Senior Misa Herriges, who placed third at the individual state tournament, led the charge with two wins at No. 1 singles. She was supported by strong straight‑set victories from Milja Aguirre (6‑2, 6‑2), Sophia Eckman (7‑6 (5), 6‑1) and Esme Kleban (6‑1, 6‑2). Coach Eric Nielsen praised the team’s depth and unity, noting that the players’ cohesion allowed them to conquer an individual‑oriented sport.

Herriges’ leadership story adds to the magic. Dissatisfied with a second‑round exit at the 2024 state tournament, she took a part‑time job to pay for extra lessons and sharpen her game ahead of her senior year. The hard work paid off with Shorewood’s first team championship.

Shorewood’s breakthrough gives the program momentum and inspiration for future seasons. With seniors like Herriges departing, underclassmen such as Milja Aguirre and Sophia Eckman now have championship experience to build on.