Card girls' tennis: Alexandria edges defending CLC champion Brainerd 4-3

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The three-time defending Central Lakes Conference champion and Section 8AA champion Warriors were unable to overcome a solid effort by the Cardinal girls, who edged out Brainerd 4-3 in tennis action Tuesday.

The victory was enough to keep the Redbird girls within striking distance of first place in the CLC standings as they handed the Warriors their first league loss of the season and put both teams at 2-1. The two teams now trail undefeated St. Cloud Tech, which is 3-0 this season in the CLC.

“The Cards did just enough to knock them down a notch,” said head coach Dave Ronning. “We got wins at first, second and fourth singles, and at third doubles.

“It wasn’t our best outing of the season, but a good team finds ways to compete and battle when times get tough.”

Rebecca Lukes, Ellie Bergstrand and Bria Schueler all earned singles victories for Alexandria.

“Rebecca cruised in her first set, winning 6-1, only to see her opponent fight back and take the early lead in the second set,” said Ronning. “Rebecca fought back and battled her way to a tiebreaker, and took the second and deciding set.

“Ellie remained unbeaten on the season, winning in straight sets. Ellie is playing some very solid tennis for us, and is looking to be a force in our singles lineup.

“Bria lost a tough first set in a breaker, but once again settled in and used a solid game plan to come back and win the next two sets,” he added.

At third doubles, Kim Wilkins and Miranda Sater came away with a hard fought three-set victory, winning 6-4, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3.

“Our lone win at doubles came from our unbeaten third doubles team,” said Ronning. “They started well, winning the first set, lost the second set in a breaker and then fell behind in the third set 2-3.

“From that point on, they dominated play and took control of the net, and won four straight games to get the point for the team.

“I’m very happy with the way the girls stuck together and cheered each other on,” he said. “It was a team effort and that is what good teams do when individuals struggle at different spots.”

Alexandria will be hosting an invitational tomorrow, Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.

ALEXANDRIA 4, BRAINERD 3

SINGLES

No. 1 – Rebecca Lukes (A) def. Sarea Wennerstreand 6-1, 7-6 (7-2), No. 2 – Ellie Bergstrand (A) def. Chloe Glassman 6-2, 6-2, No. 3 - Rosemary Hunter (B) def. Carly Snell 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7-1), No. 4 – Bria Schueler (A) def. Kristin Anderson 6-7 (7-0), 6-3, 6-2.

DOUBLES

No. 1 – Megan Hintz-Caitlin Steffen (B) def. Rachel Sjostrand-Marissa Wheeler 6-3, 6-3, No. 2 – Morgan Steffen-Natalie Cameau (B) def. Jessica Larson-Jenna Hedstrom 6-3, 6-3, No. 3 – Kim Wilkins-Miranda Sater (A) def. Brooke Mimmack-Ashley Fitterer 6-4, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3.

Lori Mork

Lori Mork is the Sports Editor for the Echo Press, taking over that position in 2007 after serving as Assistant Sports Editor since 1996. Mork spent the previous 18 years working at the Pope County Tribune in Glenwood where she served as the Sports Editor as well as a graphic designer and member of the production department. She spends her free time with her husband, Bob, and their pets, enjoying rural life on Lake Reno. Follow Sports Editor Lori Mork on Twitter at @morkwriter.

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, cardinals, girls, tennis