Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Senior Lauren Gibb returns a shot for St. Edmond on Friday during Class 1A regional tournament action at Dodger Courts. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

The St. Edmond girls tennis team advanced in Class 1A regional play here Friday with a 5-2 victory over North Central Conference rival Iowa Falls-Alden.

Up next for the Gaels (15-0 overall) will be Ballard on Tuesday in a regional semifinal at Dodger courts beginning at 9 a.m. The Bombers (6-3) scored a 5-2 victory over South Hardin to move on.

Lauren Gibb, Ava Andrew, Ava Underberg and Abby Huss all picked up singles wins to give St. Edmond an advantage heading to doubles. Andrew and Cambree Lunn were leading in their doubles match when an injury forced the Cadets to forfeit at No. 1 doubles.

Gibb picked up a 6-1, 6-0 victory, Andrew won 6-0, 6-0, Underberg scored a 6-1, 6-2 triumph and Huss won, 6-1, 6-2.

“I’m very happy with how the girls played in very difficult conditions,” SEHS head coach Shawn Neverman said. “They battled and were able to advance. We’ve got a few days to hit the practice courts and prepare for our next meet.”

The regional final will be held following the conclusion of the semifinal matches, with the winner between St. Edmond and Ballard taking on either Spencer or Spirit Lake/Okoboji at 1 p.m.