Caitlin Burke does not lose. That is the most simple, all-encompassing and precise way to describe the sophomore’s tennis career thus far.

Burke entered the University of Wisconsin last year as the prize of a highly touted recruiting class. Burke and fellow newcomer Kaylan Caiati had combined to go 214-3 in high school competition. The three losses between the two belonged to Caiati, from the three times her and Burke met head-to-head.

When Burke was getting ready to begin the fall season however, she suffered an injury that would keep her out of the entire fall season and the first half of the regular season, in the spring.

“It was very frustrating to not be able to play,” Burke said of the injury. “I didn’t know how much I would miss [playing].”

When Burke finally returned on March 27, the Badgers were in their second conference match of the year against then No. 32 Indiana, one of the toughest teams Wisconsin would face all season.

Burke, fresh off an eight-month lay-off, stepped on the court and with cool demeanor dominated Indiana’s Martina Grimm, sweeping her 6-2, 6-2.

Although the Badgers lost the duel to Indiana, Burke’s debut was just a sign of things to come.

Two duels later against No. 52 Purdue, Wisconsin was on the ropes, having started 0-3 in conference play. The Badgers scrapped out a 4-3 victory in large part due to Burke’s third consecutive straight set victory.

The Badgers went on a roll from there and won their next five duels, finishing above .500 in conference play and earning a bye in the Big Ten tournament.

Burke went on to win her first eight matches, without ever losing a set, before finally falling at Michigan in a three set affair.

Burke began the season as Wisconsin’s No. 6 seed and ended as the team’s No. 3, finishing with a 9-2 record.

This year, Burke figures to have the advantage of actually getting into rhythm for the season, by playing in the fall season, which she believes will help her to improve on last season’s achievements — a feat that will not be easily accomplished.

“I’m not hurt at all this season, so that is a big thing,” Burke said. ” I think it will be a good thing for me to play a lot of matches before coming into the spring season, because last year when I came into the spring season I hadn’t played in eight months.”

Burke was not among the many who was surprised by her start last year, especially considering she was coming off an injury.

“I had high expectations for myself and for our team. I think I was definitely a little rusty coming in after not having played for eight months, but I think adjusted well,” said Burke in a classic understatement.

In her first fall season, Burke has picked up right where she left off. Currently ranked No. 118 in the nation, compiling a record of 7-2 so far in the three tournaments. Burke was the Badger’s top finisher in the team’s first action of the fall, the Furman Fall Classic.

The most telling marks of Burke’s 2004 success are the two victories she has scored on ranked opponents. Burke whipped Clemson’s Daniela Alvarez, then No. 50 in the country, 6-1 in the Furman Fall Classic. In the ITA All-American’s tournament, one of the top tennis tournaments of the year, Burke took out No. 49 Ashley Bentley of Alabama 6-4, 6-2 in straight sets.

Burke believes that the increased amount of playing time on the court has already paid dividends toward helping her to become a better player.

“My serve I think has improved a lot,” Burke said. “I’m trying to become a little more aggressive and coming up the net some more, so hopefully that will improve.”

As for a repeat performance of last year’s achievement, Burke is confident but more focused on her contribution to the team success than how her record will look at the end of the year.

“I just hope to play well,” Burke said. “I feel like I am playing very well right now. I’ve played a bunch of matches and it was a very good experience, so I hope to be playing well and be able to help the team as much as I can.”