Ark Valley News - Varsity tennis opens in Salina, JV plays twice

Varsity tennis opens in Salina, JV plays twice
By Randy Fisher
Last Updated: August 31, 2017

Both the varsity and junior varsity tennis teams for Valley Center High School got the season going last week.

The varsity opened with a four-team, singles-only event Aug. 24 at Salina Central. The Mustangs dominated with 12 points, followed by Salina South and Valley Center with 5 each, while Salina Sacred Heart had 2.

Megan Jones played at No. 1 for the Hornets and had a tough day. She lost 8-1 to Robyn Logan of Salina South, 8-0 to Karley Benson of Salina Central and 8-0 to Lily Perrin of Sacred Heart.

“We did not take (No. 1) Victoria (Bishop), as I wanted to see who would step up from the other four," said coach Dean Schulz. “Central and Sacred Heart both played its No 1 player, so Megan was at a disadvantage."

Two of Valley's remaining three players were second, and the other was third.

At No. 2 singles, Katlynn Owens finished second. She beat Kennedy Herbel (SS) 8-4, lost 8-0 to Callie Sanborn (SC) and beat Marissa Roberts (SH) 8-2.

No. 4 singles also saw Ali Schul finish second. She defeated Gillian Falcon (SS) 8-7 (2), lost 8-4 to Emery Newton (SC) and shut out Alexis Tatum (SH) 8-0.

Sophia McNiel was third at No. 3 singles. She lost by identical scores of 8-4 to Sarah McAllister (SS) and Brooke Shirley (SC), but bounced back to blank Rachel Weis (SH) 8-0.

“Overall, I was pleased with our effort," Schulz said. “Katlynn and Ali were playing in their first varsity singles and did very well. Sophia lost close matches to South and Central. We found some things to work on in the coming weeks, so that will be our focus."

The varsity returns to action Aug. 31 at McPherson.

Valley's junior varsity started the season Aug. 22 at Buhler, followed by an Aug. 29 meet at McPherson. Results from McPherson were not available as The News went to print.

At Buhler, the host Crusaders and Smoky Valley battled for the top spot, while Valley Center was fifth, one point behind Eisenhower.

“It was a tough first test, and the girls definitely know what they need to work on to get better," said JV coach Matt Kluesner. “I was very happy about all of their efforts."

Each doubles team finished third and received medals.

At No. 1, Alex Barbour and Kassie Kinniburgh defeated Smoky Valley 8-7 (2), lost 8-5 to Circle and beat Eisenhower 8-3.

At No. 2, Gabi Glidewell and Zoey Taylor opened with an 8-2 loss to Smoky Valley, then beat Circle 8-4 and Eisenhower 8-1.

At No. 2 singles, Valerie Williams was 1-2. She lost 8-2 to Smoky Valley and 8-4 to Circle, but beat Kingman 8-0.

At No. 1 singles, Chloe Martens was 0-3. She lost 8-2 to Smoky Valley, 8-5 to Circle and lost 8-3 to Kingman.