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Murman set for state trek

ANKENY — Beth Murman enters her first state singles competition beginning here Thursday with the goal of adding to her already impressive resume.

Murman, a junior for Fort Dodge, will face Lily Feldman of Pleasant Valley in the opening round of the Class 2A state tournament. Play is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. from the Ankeny Tennis Complex at Prairie Ridge Sports Complex.

As a district runner-up, Murman drew a tough first opponent in Feldman, as she was a semifinalist last year and finished fourth overall after placing second as a freshman.

“Beth is a phenomenal player and she’s excited to be competing with the best singles players in the state,” FDSH head coach Martha Stover said. “She got a tough draw, but Beth plays better and more aggressive when her competition pushes her.

“We don’t ever play or see the top teams and players from the east side of the state until this tournament, so she’s going in blind.”

Last year, Murman paired up with current Rutgers University tennis player Jaci Cochrane to claim the 2A doubles title. In the finals, to two swept Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Magui and Vale Caro. Like Murman, Vale Caro is playing singles this year and is the No. 2 seed.

“Playing singles will be a little different, but she is excited for the new challenge,” Stover said. “She has been playing a lot since districts and playing with different people to help prepare her for the tough competition.

“She just needs to stay consistent and steady throughout her points, and be patient. Now is the time to play the best tennis of the season and I know she’ll do that.”

During her freshman season, Murman also a state doubles medalist, while also claiming the co-ed state doubles title with Jonny Bowser last summer.

In her district final, Murman lost to Davi Patterson of Boone, who is a No. 1 seed after placing second last year. Also back is third place finisher Emilia Porubcin of Bettendorf and seventh place medalist Ellie Anderson from Linn-Mar. Libby Messman of Waukee was a qualifier in singles a year ago.

STATE TENNIS

Class 2A Singles

First round match

Davi Patterson, Boone vs. Roshni Penmatcha, Pleasant Valley; Sofia Sackett, WDM Dowling vs. Kaily Speer, Iowa City West; Lauren Couves, Ames vs. Emilia Porubcin, Bettendorf; Krisha Keeran, Cedar Falls vs. Cari Naanep, Johnston; Lily Feldman, Pleasant Valley vs. Beth Murman, Fort Dodge; Bihotza James, Iowa City High vs. Jamie Zhang, Ames; Ellie Anderson, Linn-Mar vs. Libby Messman, Waukee; Sydney Rottinghaus, Mason City vs. Vale Caro, Cedar Rapids Prairie.

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