September 23, 2019 at 11:26 a.m.
Hodag netters lock up GNC lead with win over Newman
Hodag netters lock up GNC lead with win over Newman
Rhinelander will be the top team in the GNC heading into Saturday's conference tournament following a convincing 6-1 win over Wausau Newman Friday at the RHS tennis courts.
The win capped off a perfect 7-0 season in conference duals and gave Rhinelander 92 out of a possible 98 points in the dual season. Antigo sat second in the standings with 68 points heading into a makeup match Monday against Pacelli. Depending on the outcome of that match, the Hodags will have at least a 10-point cushion in the standings heading into Saturday's GNC tournament.
"This was a solid match for us," coach Bob Heideman said. "Every flight was a positive tonight. Nice to finish the dual part of conference undefeated. We did ourselves a favor by wining at six positions. It puts us up by 10 going into the conference tournament."
The Hodags swept all three doubles matches in convincing fashion, dropping a total of two games in the six sets. Jackie Wells and Alex Oestreich were 6-1, 6-0 winners over Julia Welter and Grace Sukenen in the top flight, Lisa White and Kathryn Borski downed Desirae Lo and Elizabeth Clancy 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2 and Izzy Haverkampf and Jaiden Thiel rolled to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Natalie Townsend and Destiny Lo at No. 3.
"No. 1 doubles played one of their better matches. They set each other up well," Heideman noted. "No. 2 doubles have been picking their volleying spots well. They've hit a lot of winners. No. 3 doubles played a strong match from beginning to end with no let up. A step in the right direction."
Kenedy Van Zile overcame a slow start to defeat Ali Bennett 6-4, 6-3 at No. 2 singles. Kaylee Pontell and Kat Metropulos cruised in the bottom singles flights, posting matching 6-1, 6-0 wins.
"Kenedy was down 3-4 and ran off three games in the first set," Heideman said. "Her creative shot combinations were on display. Kaylee just plain and simple, wore her opponent down."
Rhinelander's lone loss came at No. 1 singles where Annika Johnson fell to Wausau Newman's Becky Larrain, who's currently unbeaten in conference play, 6-1, 6-4.
"Annika regained her footing and made the second set competitive," Heideman said.
Rhinelander traveled to Wisconsin Rapids Monday for a non-conference dual that concluded after deadline. It was the Hodags final match before Saturday's GNC meet, which is slated to get underway at 9 a.m. at the RHS tennis courts.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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