August 31, 2020 at 8:44 a.m.
RHS netters move to 2-0 with Medford sweep
RHS netters move to 2-0 with Medford sweep
The Hodags tweaked their lineup slightly from the opener and it paid dividends as the team took all seven matches in straight sets to sweep Medford 7-0 this past Thursday night in Medford.
Rhinelander (2-0), winners of nine of the last 10 GNC titles, moved four points ahead of perennial rival Antigo with the victory. The Red Robins also improved to 2-0 on Thursday with a 5-2 win at Pacelli. Teams receive two points per individual flight victory in dual meet play.
The Hodags controlled all seven matches against a Raider squad that graduated a number of its top players from last season. Rhinelander dropped a total of nine games in singles, 12 games in doubles and scored at least one set victory of 6-1 or better in all seven flights.
After two weeks of practice, and the first week of competition, first-year head coach Matt Nichols said this year's Hodag tennis squad is beginning to establish its identity.
"The team as a whole is really coming together to not only support each other on the court, but off the court as well," he said. "That's exciting to see them all bonding on the bus, bonding as they're watching each other in warmups, cool downs. As a whole team, that's really cool to see and something great for the program."
Rhinelander rolled in singles Thursday, losing no more than three games in any of the four matches. Annika Johnson was a 6-0, 6-3 winner over Brooke Sommer in the top flight; Kaylee Pontell downed Sophie Brost, 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3; Kat Metropulos rolled over Lindsey Wildberg, 6-0, 6-1 at No. 3 and Tori Riopel was a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Kenya Mann at No. 4.
"Singles, each one improved on something different, but I think everyone's kind of finding that groove, getting a little more confident on the court," Nichols said. "Annika, her returns, she was really playing around with that - not only cross, but she was throwing in some line returns. That was really exciting to see some good development there.
"Kaylee, there were a couple of times where it looked like she was struggling a little bit, so working on that good mindset, knowing that she's out there and deserves that spot and that she can play with anyone. Seeing her stay positive on the court and fight through that, that was really nice to see. Kat, just consistency. It's a strength of hers and she really drew on that. Tori, she's also very consistent, good-placed shots and just her determination and hustle. She hustles really well."
The Hodags switched the positions of the two freshmen in their starting lineup on Thursday with good results. With Tori Riopel playing No. 4 singles, Shayla Coppenger moved to No. 3 doubles, where she teamed with Paige Oleinik for a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Makayla Motte and Christine Czeshinski.
"Tori had a great game all the way around - groundstrokes, volleys, serves. I knew she would be a really good contender for that No. 4 singles spot. (She has) consistent shots, hard shots and she can rally with anyone, but also put it away," Nichols said. "Shayla's also good there, but I think she really connected well with Paige in practice. The two of them have some good chemistry, playing doubles. She's great at the baseline, playing from there and she's improved a lot on her volleys at the net for us in doubles play."
The Hodags got through the top two singles matches with relative ease. Kathryn Borski and Taylor Riopel were 6-1, 6-3 winners at No. 1 over Jordaan Clark and Kelsey Jascor while Alexis Engelking and Kylee Younker took the second flight, 6-4, 6-1 over Myah Smith and Autumn Higgins.
"I really thought our doubles are starting to come together," Nichols . "Partners are starting to click. There was really nice placement and shots at the net. That was exciting to see.
Rhinelander returns to action Thursday at home against Phillips.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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