September 9, 2020 at 11:57 a.m.
RHS tennis remains undefeated, downs Ashland 5-2
RHS tennis remains undefeated, downs Ashland 5-2
The Hodags responded against their toughest competition to date, sweeping singles play en route to a 5-2 victory over Ashland at the RHS tennis courts.
The win moved Rhinelander to 4-0 on the season. After beating three teams currently in the bottom half of the GNC standings, Tuesday's match was an important tune-up with the three chief contenders to the Hodags' conference title - Wausau Newman, Antigo and Pacelli - coming up in succession on the schedule.
"It was really nice to see some tougher competition, especially at the top flights," Rhinelander coach Matt Nichols said. "There was thought that this could be canceled just because of the weather, but it was awesome that it came through. Our girls got to see some strong teams. It exposes your weaknesses a bit and then we can just work on it from there."
Luckily, Rhinelander dodged most of the early afternoon rain and the Hodags were able to get the matches in on a cool, cloudy day. Annika Johnson, Kaylee Pontell, Kat Metropulos and Tori Riopel swept the singles flights for Rhinelander while Paige Oleinik and Shayla Coppenger chipped in a win at No. 3 doubles.
Johnson improved to 4-0 on the season with a 6-0, 6-0 sweep over Tegan McFarlane in the top singles flight. The Hodag junior controlled the match from the outset.
"Annika, she just remains really strong," Nichols said. "Her serve is really developing through the summer and through now. She's super consistent, a smart player. She had a wide variety of shots. She continues to use those."
Pontell rallied from down a break early in the first set to beat Ayla Westlund 6-4, 6-1 at the No. 2 singles flight. Metropulos cruised over Hannah Milanowski 6-2, 6-1 at No. 3 and, after dropping the opening game, Tori Riopel raced past Abby Brew 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4.
"Kaylee fought hard. She came back. It was awesome to see that," Nichols said. "Kaylee was down 4-3 in the first set and came back to win 6-4. She tried some new shots, new strategy and showed she's more than just consistent. She can place the ball and rally with some good players out there.
"Kat was also making her opponent move quite a bit and Tori, as a No. 4 singles player, she's just really strong, strong shots. Some of the serves that were coming over were not strong and she was really making some nice shots and nice plays off of that."
Oleinik and Coppenger notched Rhinelander's other win, defeating Isabelle Rasmussen and Mady Brilla 6-1, 6-1 at No. 3 doubles. Nichols noted the tandem used, "great returns, great rallies and really nice net play," in their victory.
Rhinelander's two defeats came in the top doubles flights. Kathryn Borski and Taylor Riopel were unable to overcome a slow start in a 6-1, 7-5 loss to Maddie Clevette and Abby Davidson. Alexis Engelking and Kylee Younker fell 6-1, 6-2 in the second flight to Mara Pierce and Kalli Mikkonen.
The Hodags played Wausau Newman Thursday at Oak Island Park in Wausau in a match that concluded after deadline.
Newman entered the day fourth in the GNC standings, 16 points behind Rhinelander, after suffering a 6-1 loss to Antigo Aug. 25. The Hodags will travel to Antigo on Tuesday. The Red Robins entered Thursday's play only four points behind Rhinelander for the conference lead.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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