The Fergus Falls wins came from their 1´s and 3´s.  Ellie Colbeck dominated her match at first singles, dropping only three games, 6-1, 6-2.  “This was a pretty routine match for Ellie,” reported Lill.  “After starting the season with some top opponents, she has rolled through our last three matches.  As a top competitor, Ellie wanted to win that second set at love, and that´s a good thing to hear from her.  With the match clearly in hand, she was still striving to take care of business cleanly and quickly.  Isabella Abrahams brought home the win in her third singles match tonight.  This was a great win for Bella.  The first set was highly contested with many long rallies and a variety of play.  Bella knew consistency would win this match, and she played smart, won the big points and wore her opponent down.  She kept her foot on the pedal in the second set and her opponent did not have an answer for Bella´s high level of play.  This match should be a big confidence boost for Bella.”

First doubles had an interesting win as Ava Weber and Leila Nasri dropped the first set at love.  “After not winning a game, they changed their mental approach and completely steam rolled the second set,” commented Lill.  “Playing intentionally aggressive tennis in the next two sets is what got them the win 0-6, 6-1, 6-3.  This mid-match adjustment was huge for these two who are on a three-match winning streak.  The key for them is to strive to play every point at this high level of play.  Ava and Leila did a nice job of that in the final two sets tonight.”

Needing one more win to earn the team match, the Otters had two close matches left in play.  Third doubles duo of Hannah Prody and Ashtyn Lill found themselves in a nail biter.  “This wasn´t the cleanest match I´ve seen this pair play, but they managed to keep themselves in it mentally,” said Coach Lill. “Hannah was a monster at the net, which prompted their opponents to try and play with two players back at the baseline.  Having the mentality that Hannah has to put balls away is a major part of this team´s success and is an intimidation factor for opponents.  Ashtyn played great defense from the baseline and lobbed well tonight.”  Hannah and Ashtyn earned the 6-4, 6-3 victory, also giving the Otters the fourth point they needed to earn the team win.  Hannah and Ashtyn have a nice little four match winning streak going. 

Mia Marsh was the final match in play tonight.  “Mia does a nice job of moving players around and using the whole court,” stated Lill.  “She´s consistent and will play with patience.  Tonight´s match was a close one for her, but she ended up falling 6-4, 6-4.” 

Lill concluded, “These girls should be very proud of this win tonight.  They´ve been working very hard and it´s paying off with close, competitive matches.  Tonight was a great night for Otter tennis.” 

The Otters have a bye next Tuesday and next take the court on Thursday, September 17 at St. Cloud Tech. 

Singles:
1. Ellie Colbeck (FF) defeated Kathryn Headlee (R) 6-1, 6-2.
2. Adeline Loesch (R) defeated Madison Anderson (FF) 7-5,6-0.
3. Isabella Abrahams (FF) defeated Katie Kaluza (R) 6-4, 6-0.
4. Kaylene Andwsick (R) defeated Mia Marsh (FF) 6-4, 6-4.

Doubles:
1. Ava Weber/Leila Nasri (FF) defeated Shelby Garding/Kristin Wieling (R) 0-6, 6-1,6-3.
2. Ava Peters/Abby Jopp (R) defeated Mackenzie Krava/Amber Anderson (FF) 6-2, 6-4.
3. Hannah Prody/Ashtyn Lill (FF) defeated Mackenzie Galazen/Teanna Horn (R) 6-4, 6-3.