August 15, 2018 at 1:31 p.m.
Depth carries Hodag netters to title in Wausau
Depth carries Hodag netters to title in Wausau
The Hodags went a perfect 5-0 and won the Wausau West Invitational. Coach Bob Heideman said it was the first time Rhinelander has won the traditional multi-day dual meet invitational to kick off the season.
The Hodags defeated D.C. Everest 6-1, new conference rival Wausau Newman 5-2 and Menomonie 4-3 on Monday. Rhinelander came back with a pair of narrow 4-3 wins over Wausau West and Altoona Tuesday.
"We are very pleased to get through this tournament undefeated," coach Bob Heideman said. "The girls kinda like the ring of the word undefeated. We know we've got some things to improve on and a tough six meets in the next 11 days but, for right now, we'll enjoy the accolade."
Rhinelander's depth carried it to wins in the multi-dual format. Freshman Kaylee Pontell went undefeated at No. 4 singles, as did the No. 3 doubles team of Jackie Wells and Savannah Chartier.
"Freshmen Kaylee Pontell was in the last match of the entire tournament and her win gave us the fourth victory over Altoona," Heideman said, referring to Pontell's 6-3, 6-3 win over Maddi Gilmartin. "Savannah and Jackie play with such energy and it is reflected in their spot on court positioning. Their racquet preparation was also excellent."
The Hodags got 4-1 performances from Emma Roberts at No. 2 singles and Kenedy Van Zile at No. 3 singles. Both came through with key victories that helped the Hodags secure dual meet wins. Roberts took one of two third-set tiebreakers to go the Hodags' way against Menomonie as she defeated Olivia Leipnitz 7-5, 2-6, 10-6. Van Zile rallied from down a set against Wausau West's Mallory Names, and down 4-5 in the second set, to win 3-6, 7-5, 10-5.
"(Emma) had a comeback win over Newman (defeating Becky Larrain 6-4, 6-2) and played consistent tennis throughout the two days," Heideman noted. "Kennedy won two critical matches on Tuesday. She broke the 3-3 tie against West."
Madi Losch and Alexis Pyrchalla went 3-2 at No. 2 doubles, including a 6-3, 3-6, 10-4 win over Jordyn Hagman and Kenna Thomas that helped secure the Hodags' 4-3 win over Menomonie.
Haley Seefeldt and Annika Johnson were 2-3 together at No. 1 doubles, with wins over D.C. Everest and Wausau Newman. Alex Oestreich was 0-5 in her debut at No. 1 singles.
"Alex is in the lion's den this year at No. 1 singles," Heideman said. "Regardless of the score she has kept competing hard and her reward has been she has shown steady improvement, not always seen in her scores. I think she is going to surprise herself if she keeps it up."
The Hodags will open Great Northern Conference play at home against Marshfield Columbus this afternoon and will host a four-team meet at the RHS tennis courts tomorrow.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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