The girls came out just ready to go tonight. We took the top 3 singles matches with great play by Ruby Ellison, Layla Zosel and Kaia Ness in those roles, respectively. It's so fun just to watch these girls thrive with all the hard work that they have put in over the past year. Ruby jumping up to 1st singles and just handling business when we ask of her has been phenomenal. Layla is stroking the ball so well right now from the baseline and gaining confidence in her game each time out. Kaia had a tough and tight match for us at third singles tonight and she rose to the occasion. Kaia has a great all-court game and today she did an excellent job of using her strengths as weapons.
In doubles action, Hattie Fullhart and Ashtyn Lill played what I would say is some of their best tennis yet. They handled an amazing three-set match at first doubles against a very athletic and evenly matched team in Tia Leen and Greta Crandall. This match had everything from deep ground strokes to impressive volleys and overheads to awesome serving. The intensity level was high and the level of play was unmatched thus far this year. It was very back-and-forth, but the exciting part was that more often than not, points ended on a winner from one of the teams. They weren't waiting for mistakes. They were forcing their games on each other and it produced some really great tennis. It was great stuff and Hattie and Ashtyn ended up on top in this one 6-3, 5-7, 6-1. Our 2nd doubles duo of Hannah Anderson and Clara Stephan just dropped a very tight match in a super tie-breaker, but these girls have nothing to hang their heads about. They are playing some of their best tennis of the season right now and are gaining steam at just the right time of the season. Dillyn Lill and Carsyn Lill also earned a straight set victory for us at 3rd doubles.
Tonight was a great night for our team; another big section and CLC win for us as we approach the end of our regular season in the next two weeks. The Otters travel to Willmar on Thursday for yet another CLC and section 8AA contest against the Cardinals.
Ruby Ellison strikes a backhand. PHOTO PROVIDED
Singles:
1. Ruby Ellison (FF) defeated Addy Bultema (S) 6-1, 6-2.
2. Layla Zosel (FF) defeated Joanna Hamiton (S) 4-1, retired.
3. Kaia Ness (FF) defeated Brooke Hennes (S) 6-4, 6-3.
4. Kayla Dougherty (S) defeated Ali Bredenberg (FF) 6-2, 6-3.
Doubles:
1. Hattie Fullhart/Ashtyn Lill (FF) defeated Tia Leen/Greta Crandall (S) 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.
2. Madi Bemboom/Kylie Weber (S) defeated Hannah Anderson/Clara Stephan (FF) 2-6, 6-2, 10-6.
3. Dillyn Lill/Carsyn Lill (FF) defeated Olivia Hedlund/Emma Nemawich (S) 6-0, 6-4.
