“Our lineup tonight was very new and different from last year's lineup,” said Fergus Falls Head Coach Jamie Lill.  “Ellie Colbeck anchored the squad at #1 singles, but the rest of the singles lineup and doubles teams were new.  Alexandria has a history of being solid year in and year out.   Even with the loss, I feel great about the matches.  We were really in 5 of the 7 matches, with four of them going the distance for a full three sets.  We threw out a lot of young players and many who had never played a varsity match before.  We saw some solid tennis and found some things to work on moving forward in practice.” 

At first singles, Captain Ellie Colbeck started off very strong, taking the first set in a tie break 7-3.  Brianna Holm of Alexandria upped her game and became the aggressor in the next couple sets, taking charge of points and keeping Ellie on the move. 

Eighth grader Madison Anderson debuted in the second singles slot tonight with a great showing, earning the lone win for the Otters.  After dropping the first set, Madison hung on to earn the next two sets.  Madison stroked the ball well tonight from the baseline. 

Freshman Isabella Abrahams filled the role of third singles tonight.  Bella started off hot, taking an early lead in the first set.  Bella did a nice job of varying her shots, but the athleticism of her opponent made finishing points tricky as she could run almost anything down.  Bella did a great job of battling, but fell in straights. 

Freshman Amber Anderson played 4th singles for the squad today.  After dropping the first set 6-2, Amber went on a tear, winning the second set 6-2.  Amber picked up her consistency greatly in the second set, earning her a relatively easy second set victory, but her opponent really rebounded nicely to win the decisive third set.

In doubles action, senior captain Ava Weber and sophomore Leila Nasri (both returning starters) teamed up as a first doubles duo.  Ava and Leila are both cognitive players and did a nice job of analyzing play today.  Alexandria is known for some very strong doubles teams, and their duo did not disappoint, as they didn't drop a game in the match.  First doubles is tough and very fast paced.  This position in the lineup is new to both Ava and Leila and the girls battled well.

At second doubles, senior Hannah Prody and 7th grader Ashtyn Lill both took the court for the first time.  The pair hung in the games with many deuces, but just couldn't convert on the big points tonight.  The combination of Ashtyn's consistency at the baseline and Hannah's instinct to put balls away worked well for the girls.  Gaining experience will be key for these two newcomers. 

Junior Mackenzie Krava and senior Paige Pearson filled out the lineup card at third doubles with an action-packed three setter.  This match was fun to watch.  It was very back and forth between the teams and we saw some great athleticism and aggressive play.  Consistency will be key for these girls moving forward. 

“Tonight was a great night for Otter tennis,” concluded Coach Lill.  “The results weren't all that we wanted on the scorecard, but the play was good.  Experience was gained for many new varsity and JV players and we have a baseline to build on.  It was exciting to see our practice put into play.  We had so many new and young varsity and JV players do a great job tonight and that was fun to be a part of.” 

The Otters play host to Brainerd on Thursday at 4:30pm.