by David Swartz – Managing Editor

DECORAH — The Spirit Lake/Okoboji doubles team of Alli Gerking and Aubry Kolegraff will finish in the top eight at the Class 1A state tournament.

The freshmen duo posted a 2-1 record in the first day of the event and will play in the consolation semifinals today against Decorah’s Laura Reutlinger and Siri Hedstrom.

The SLO pair opened play Thursday with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 defeat at the hands of Katie Garrett and Jessica Klieman of Waterloo Columbus.

In the first-round consolation match, Gerking and Kolegraff won 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 over Decorah’s Erica Munkel and Karrisa Shendelar.

In the consolation quaterfinals, the pair won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, over Holly Oliver and Kelsey Schuring from Pella.

In other results from the state tournament, Emily Swartz, granddaughter of Carol and Albert Swartz of Dolliver, also posted a 2-1 record in the Class 1A singles.

Emily, a senior from South Hardin won 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8) over Decorah’s Jenny Dallen.

In the quarterfinal round, she lost 6-2, 6-0 to Dubuque Wahlert’s Sarah Dalton.

In the consolation quarterfinals, Swartz won 6-0, 6-0 over Ellie Tallekson of Cedar Falls NU High.

She will play in the consolation semifinals today against Decorah’s Logan Thompson.