October 6, 2017 at 1:33 p.m.
Tennis: Weddle's run ends at sectionals
Tennis: Weddle's run ends at sectionals
Weddle was defeated in straight sets 6-1, 6-0 by Eau Claire Memorial's Sierra Auleta in a WIAA Division 2 sectional quarterfinal match at Wausau West High School. The top four players in the No. 1 singles flight advanced to state. Weddle was eliminated one round short of that goal.
Weddle faced a tough road after advancing as the No. 4 seed from Monday's Wisconsin Rapids subsectional. The crossover between the two brackets pitted her against Auleta (24-6), the top seed from the Eau Claire Memorial subsectional.
"We thought she'd be a tough opponent and she did not disappoint," Hodag coach Bob Heideman said. "Very, very steady with a variety of spins. Because Sierra didn't hit winners, most points were
Belinda's errors. That kind of match really tests a players resolve. Belinda fought hard throughout the match from beginning to end. She was never mentally out of it. She was trying to right the ship until the end. I was proud of her."
Auleta, who advanced to the round of 32 in the D1 state singles tournament last year as a sectional champion at No. 2 singles, finished second at sectionals Wednesday. She lost to undefeated Sabrina Tang of Stevens Point in the championship match.
The quarterfinal defeat brought to an end a decorated career for Weddle, who finished the season 15-10 in her first campaign at No. 1 singles. She was 81-25 overall in her career, was a four-time sectional qualifier and a two-time Great Northern Conference champion at No. 3 singles.
"The depth of Belinda's contribution to our program is partially told by her numbers," Heideman said. "Eighty-one wins puts her up with the greats of Rhinelander girls' tennis history, but it doesn't say what a great kid she is and a pleasure to have on the team. Funny thing, I'd bet she is going to get stronger and that her best tennis is ahead of her."
Weddle was the only member of the Hodag tennis team to advance to the sectional round. The team finished the year 9-1 in the Great Northern Conference, but had its run of seven straight conference championships stopped by Antigo.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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