Alexandria tennis: Cardinal girls fall in section quarterfinals

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Despite having defeated Brainerd twice this season, the Cardinal girls’ tennis team could not make it three in a row, falling to the Warriors 5-2 in the Section 8AA team quarterfinals Saturday.

“The Warriors came to play Saturday, and were the better team on this day,” said Dave Ronning, the Cardinal head coach, “and brought the season to an abrupt halt!

“In the entire season, we have gotten at least two wins out of our singles lineup every match, but on this day, Rebecca [Lukes] was the only one to come away with the win.”

“We started out trailing 1-3 when all the singles matches were done, and the pressure fell on our three doubles teams,” he said. “We were only able to muster one win there with Jessica [Larson] and Jenna [Hedstrom] at first doubles. Third doubles lost in a close three setter and second doubles was really never in their match.

“My hat is off to the Warriors for playing an outstanding match at every position. It is a hard way to end the season because we felt we were the better team but will can beat skill if the heart is in it.”

The Cardinal girls ended the season at 21-3, the most wins any Cardinal girls’ team has ever earned.

The individual portion of the tournament begins Friday at Evolution Fitness in Sartell.

Alexandria’s Lukes received the top seed in the Section 8AA individual tennis tournament, while Ellie Bergstrand was the No. 4 seed.

In doubles play, Jessica Larson and Jenna Hedstrom were the sixth seed, while Marissa Wheeler and Rachel Sjostrand were not seeded.

Opening round

The No. 2 ranked Alexandria Cardinals cruised to the second round of the Section 8AA-North team tennis tournament with a 7-0 win over Fergus Falls Friday, improving the Cardinals’ record to 21-2.

All seven spots were won in straight sets.

“Our singles lineup was untouchable, surrendering just two games in the entire singles lineup,” said head coach Dave Ronning. “Our third doubles team of Miranda Sater and Rachel Sjostrand were also untouchable, and played a very solid match, winning 6-0, 6-1. If they continue to play like they did today, they will be a tough team to beat throughout the tournament.

“Marissa Wheeler and Kim Wilkins at second doubles started slow but got things under control and ran away with their match,” he added. “Jessica Larson and Jenna Hedstrom at first doubles had their hands full, but pulled out a win in straight sets.”

BRAINERD 5, ALEXANDRIA 2

SINGLES

No. 1 - Rebecca Lukes, Alex, def. Megan Hintz 6-3, 7-5, No. 2 - Safra Wennerstrand, Brd, def. Ellie Bergstrand 6-1, 6-1, No. 3 - Caitlin Steffen, Brd, def. Carly Snell 6-2, 6-3, No. 4 - Natalie Comeau, Brd, def. Bria Schueler 6-1, 6-0.

DOUBLES

No. 1 - Jessica Larson-Jenna Hedstrom, Alex, def. Morgan Steffen-Rosemary Hunter 6-3, 2-6 (10-7), No. 2 - Brooke Mimmack-Ashley Fitterer, Brd, def. Marissa Wheeler-Kim Wilkin 6-4, 6-2, No. 3 - Cloe Glassman-Kristina Anderson, Brd, def. Miranda Sater-Rache Sjostrand 7-5, 4-6 (10-8).

ALEXANDRIA 7, FERGUS FALLS 0

SINGLES

No. 1 – Rebekah Lukes, Alex, def. Samantha Velde 6-1, 6-0. No. 2 – Ellie Bergstrand, Alex, def. Sarah Taylor 6-0, 6-0. No. 3 – Carly Snell, Alex, def. Taylor Leapold 6-1, 6-0. No. 4 – Bria Schueler, Alex, def. Kendra King 6-0, 6-0.

DOUBLES

No. 1 – Jessica Larson-Jenna Hedstrom, Alex, def. Kari Walvatne-Morgan Daniels 6-4, 7-5. No. 2 – Marissa Wheeler-Kim Wilkins, Alex, def. Olivia Stigen-Madison Deulich 6-3, 6-1. No. 3 – Rachel Sjostrand-Miranda Sater, Alex, def. Emma Clark-Hannah Nelson 6-0, 6-1.

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