Gaels returning to regional finals
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The St. Edmond girls tennis team is back in the regional final round after sweeping Webster City here Wednesday, 5-0.
Due to inclement weather, the dual was moved inside to the Fort Dodge Tennis Club.
The Gaels (8-2 overall) advance to the Class 1A, Region 3 championship at Pella (8-3) on Saturday. Action begins at 10 a.m. from Caldwell Park.
Chloe Palmer, Abby Huss, Sophia Schlienz, Olivia Andrew and Jade Rock all picked up singles wins in straight sets for St. Edmond vs. the Lynx (6-8).
"Honestly, the girls weren't really happy with the way they played the first time we had to compete inside," SEHS head coach Shawn Neverman said, referring to last Saturday’s regional match. "They told me they preferred to play outside. But after these last two meets vs. Carroll and Webster City, I think they really like playing inside now.
"Thank you to the Fort Dodge Tennis Club for the opportunity to host these meets inside."
Palmer, a state singles qualifier, topped Natalie Segar, 6-1, 6-0, at the No. 1 spot. Huss won 6-0, 6-2 over Gabbie Sebert, and Schlienz downed Chloe Bakken, 6-1, 6-2.
All three are seniors for the Gaels, who won a fifth consecutive North Central Conference championship earlier this year.
Andrew topped Abigail Heckert, 6-3, 6-2, and Rock bested Elizabeth Van Demark, 6-3, 6-0.
"They all played great," Neverman said. "They went out and took care of business just like they have most of the season. It has been exciting being around this group and seeing them carry on the tradition that we have built over these past few seasons."
Pella blanked Clarke to advance, 5-0. The Dutch qualified Ellie Smock in singles for state, as well as the doubles tandem of Reagan De Jong and Addison Namminga. They were at the same qualifying meet as St. Edmond.
"Pella is a strong team with a great tradition of girls tennis," Neverman said. "We know it is a challenge ahead of us, but these girls are ready to take that challenge on."