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Gael Li places 4th at state tennis

Submitted photo/Addie Schulte: St. Edmond's Joe Li with Gael head coach Joe Perry after Li captured fourth place at the boys state tennis tournament in Class 1A.

WATERLOO — Joe Li knows it will take time for the heartbreak he experienced here on Wednesday to go away.

Li, a St. Edmond senior, finished fourth in the Class 1A state singles tournament, adding his name to a short list of medalists for the program.

After going through an exhausting quarterfinal match on Tuesday to reach the final four, Li fell to top-seed Brady Horstmann of Cedar Rapids Xavier, 6-1, 6-1. Horstman would go on to claim the state title with a three-set win over Decorah’s Caden Branum.

Li and North Polk’s Ethan Moon battled for bronze, with Moon prevailing, 6-4, 3-6 (10-7).

“The state tournament was a great experience,” Li said. “Although I didn’t get the results I wanted, I think I fought hard with little recovery time. I know I have so much to improve before I begin my collegiate career.

“I am very happy to qualify for state, but disappointed that I wasn’t able to make the final or win it. It’s a goal I will never be able to achieve.”

Gael head coach Joe Perry lauded Li’s efforts.

“I am proud of him and all that he has achieved,” Perry said. “(Wednesday) was tough on Joseph, as I know he hoped to be the state champion, but he played well against some tough competition and that will only help his development.

“The whole state tournament was a fabulous experience for Joseph and myself. It was my pleasure coaching him in some tough matches.”

Li, who started playing tennis just two years ago, has committed to Gustavus Adolphus College, where he will enroll and play tennis beginning the fall.

“The last two days were extremely emotional,” Li said. “After my quarterfinal match, I was exhausted and very happy to get through having defeated a seeded player. After (Wednesday), though, I was heartbroken.

“Although I’m disappointed right now, I know in the future I will look back on this experience and be proud of the work I put in.”

Li also extended thanks to his head coach, Joe Perry, and his personal coach, Manny Flores, along with the large contingent of SEHS supporters who came to the two-day meet.

“I really want to thank Coach Perry for always supporting St. Edmond and our tennis team,” Li added. “And Manny, who called me everyday and gave me support.

“Also my family, who came to Waterloo and my fellow Gaels and alumni who were there. It was a great season.”

Li and Katie Flaherty are entered in the upcoming co-ed state doubles meet, which will be held in Des Moines at Waveland Tennis Courts June 7.

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