Submitted photo: Returning letterwinners for the St. Edmond girls tennis team are (left to right): Chloe Palmer, Abby Huss, Ava Underberg and Ava Andrew.

Just a few short months ago, the St. Edmond girls tennis team put a stamp on one of the more successful seasons in program history.

Along with securing a third consecutive regular season and tournament North Central Conference title, the Gaels advanced to team state and had an individual place fourth overall in Class 1A.

Now, the goal for head coach Shawn Neverman is to keep that momentum going forward into the fall with the sport flipping from the spring. St. Edmond went 19-4 in duals a season ago, and is 36-8 over the past three years combined.

“We are just super excited to start the first fall tennis season,” Neverman said. “Coming off the past year that saw us experience so much success, we return four players with a tremendous amount of varsity experience, and have several others ready to challenge for varsity spots.”

Leading the way are seniors Ava Andrew and Ava Underberg, along with juniors Abby Huss and Chloe Palmer. Andrew, Underberg and Huss were in the Top-6 last season and played key roles. Palmer was a varsity doubles regular.

Andrew had a singles record of 8-2 in the spring, which included seven wins at the No. 4 spot. Underberg went 10-0 overall playing mostly No. 5.

Huss finished her sophomore campaign a perfect 9-0 at the No. 6 post.

Seniors Lucy Midtling and Maggie Flaherty; juniors Sophia Schlienz, Nina Smith, Lizzy Tiernan, Avenlee Hayke and Lilah Reed; sophomores Olivia Andrew, Ashlyn Swisher and Betsy Gruver; and freshman Mary Ellen Gruver round out the roster.

“We have four girls challenging for those two final varsity spots,” Neverman said. “Olivia is leading the surge after filling in on varsity competition last year as a freshman.”

The Gaels will be replacing the graduated Lauren Gibb, who held the No. 1 spot in the lineup and was fourth at individual state last year, along with fellow senior regulars Payton Bradley and Cambree Lunn.

“I feel like we will be a tough team from the top of our bottom in each meet,” Neverman said. “We have several girls that understand what it takes to reach our goals. While we have to replace those key players who graduated, I’m confident we have kids ready to step in and compete.”

St. Edmond opens the season on Tuesday when they host Clear Lake before welcoming Carroll Kuemper for a dual on Thursday. The NCC Tournament is set for Sept. 10 in Webster City.

2025 ST. EDMOND GIRLS TENNIS

Roster

Seniors — Ava Andrew, Ava Underberg, Lucy Midtling, Maggie Flaherty.

Juniors — Chloe Palmer, Abby Huss, Sophia Schlienz, Nina Smith, Lizzy Tiernan, Avenlee Hayek, Lilah Reed.

Sophomores — Olivia Andrew, Ashlyn Swisher, Betsy Gruver.

Freshman — Mary Ellen Gruver.

Schedule

Aug. 12 — Clear Lake; 14 — Carroll Kuemper; 15 — at Storm Lake; 19 — Nevada; 21 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 23 — at Pella Invitational; 26 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL.

Sept. 2 — at Webster City; 8 — at Charles City; 10 — at NCC Tournament in Webster City.