ELC beats Cherokee, challenges SL/O
SPENCER — The Estherville Lincoln Central girls tennis team made it through the first round of the Class 1A Team Regionals.
The Midgettes opened with a 5-2 win over Cherokee, but then had to face rival and Lakes Conference Champion Spirit Lake/Okoboji in the second round.
While ELC play some of its best tennis, the Midgettes lost 5-1 to SL/O.
“The score didn’t always sow it, but we gave Spirit Lake/Okoboji a run,” said ELC coach Larry Kirchner.
ELC No. 1 singles Stephanie Wittmer and No. 5 singles Kaylene Vos both had a lead before Spirit Lake/Okoboji settled down.
Against Cherokee, the Braves took the top two singles matches as Shannon Schroeder beat Wittmer 6-2, 6-4 and Demi Dunn defeated Lexie Hash 6-4, 6-2.
But ELc took the next four matches.
Sarah Chrestiansen won 6-3, 6-4 over Allie Parker; Erin Olson beat Michelle McGarry 6-1, 6-3; Vos won 6-2, 6-1 over Marissa Leissler and Emily Swalve won 6-3, 6-0 over Korrianne Aguirre.
In doubles, the No. 3 team of Olson and Swalve won 6-2, 6-1 over McGarry and Aguirre to end the match.
It was then on to Spirit Lake/Okoboji where Wittmer lost 6-3, 6-3 to Allie Gerking and Hash lost 6-2, 6-1 to Aubry Kolegraff.
Chrestiansen, the lone senior on the varsity, ended her season with a win as she beat Kassie Hein 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
“Sarah played some of the best tennis I’ve seen her play all year,” said Kirchner.
In other matches, Olson lost 6-2, 6-3 to Cassidy Clarity; Vos led Kara Crosgrove 5-2 in the first set before falling 7-5, 6-2; and Swalve lost 6-0, 6-7(7-5), 6-2 to Shirley Coenen.
ELC returns to action one more time to the Class 1A individual tournament at Spencer on Thursday.