The Lady Wolves took charge of the tennis courts on Thursday, scoring their first MHSAA Division 1 Regional title.
“It was very exciting,” said Clarkston Girls Varsity Tennis Head Coach Becky Freeman. “We are excited to prepare ourselves for finals in Midland.”
The team scored 30 points to take the top spot out of ten teams and secure their spot at finals. Rochester took second with 25 points and also heads to the finals.
During the meet, both teams also took West Bloomfield out of the running for the state finals for the first time since 1996.
For finals in singles, Lexi Baylis held onto her undefeated record beating Morgan Taylor, from West Bloomfield, 6-1, 6-1, in singles #2. In singles #3, Katie Brozovich beat Anna Parker, from Rochester, 6-1, 6-0, and Kristina Lucas beat Rachel Parker, from Rochester, 6-1, 6-1, in singles #4.
Gabriella Spindler lost to Kelsey Dieters, from Rochester, 6-1, 6-0, in singles #1.
“They all played to their seed, if they were first seeded, they finished first. If they were second seeded, they finished second,” said Freeman.
For finals in doubles, Dana and Paige Olsen beat Rochester’s Julie Markiewicz-Kelli Wetherhold, 6-1, 6-1, in doubles #1; Abbey Hubregsen and Amy Wozniak beat Rochester’s Kate Berry and Jenn Chen, 6-2, 6-0, in doubles #2; Olivia Dunn and Allie Wilson beat Rochester’s Kirsten Byszkowski and Leah Evanson, 6-3, 6-1, in doubles #3.
Monique Zentner and Annie Gencay in doubles #4 lost to Rochester’s Stephanie Handley and Stephanie VonBehren after going into a third set, with the ending score 6-1, 4-6, 5-7.
“It was close,” said Freeman.
The Lady Wolves are one step closer to their ultimate goal of winning a state title after adding the regional victory to their tournament wins, league title and their 20-0-1 season.
Freeman pointed out a lot of attributes have led the team to their success.
“Their skillset and their determination,” she began. “They are just very talented and they all really want it. Their skills are unparalleled compared to some of the other teams. They are very focused and we are staying calm.”
Since the beginning of the season the girls have been anxious to play Ann Arbor Pioneer and Midland at the finals. The next few short weeks the girls will spend their time getting ready for finals by continuing to practice, doing drills, and playing in scrimmages against other teams.
“We will keep our noses down and see it through,” said Freeman.
The MHSAA Division 1 State Finals is June 3 and 4 at the Midland Community Tennis Center.