Netters’ streak snapped; Cats place 7th at tourney

• Wildcats tennis, 1

River Fall’s Emily Gregg reaches high to return a shot at the net for a point in the Wildcat tennis team’s Big Rivers Conference match against Hudson last Thursday at the high school courts. Gregg and her No. 1 doubles partner Annie Avestruz dropped a 6-4, 6-4 decision and Hudson went on to defeat River Falls, 5-2. Bob Burrows photos
• Wildcats tennis, 2

Wildcat No. 1 singles player Ayana Nguyen follows through on a return shot against Kelsey Hines of Hudson in the Cats’ BRC match against the Raiders last Thursday at the high school courts.

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The Wildcat girls’ tennis team had its two match win streak snapped by Hudson last Thursday before finishing seventh at the eight-team East Ridge Flighted Tournament in Woodbury, Minn. on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Kayla Garcia posted a 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles and Kayla Nguyen pulled out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win at No. 4 singles to account for the Wildcat scoring in last Thursday’s 5-2 loss to Hudson.

Head coach David Markson said the Cats had their chances at other positions but came up short in some close matches. At No. 2 singles, Taryn Studer fought hard before losing 7-5, 6-4.

“Since she has moved down to the number two spot, she is much more confident and relaxed, and she played a very intelligent, competitive match, moving the ball around and being consistent for the most part,” Markson said about Studer.

The No. 1 doubles team of Annie Avestruz and Emily Gregg fell 6-4, 6-4, while the No. 3 doubles team of Taylor Magill and Dannie Weishaar lost 6-4, 6-3.

“Number one doubles had to rally from behind in each set and couldn't sustain their comeback efforts long enough to actually come back,” Markson said. “The two Kayla’s were the bright spots -- both displaying consistency and shot-making ability in their wins.”

Saturday the Cats played without a No. 4 doubles team but still managed to finish ahead of Chisago Lakes at the eight-team East Ridge Tournament.

Weishaar and Magill had River falls’ highest finish, placing second at No. 3 doubles, while Garcia took third at No. 3 singles. Studer, at No. 2 singles, and the No. 1 doubles team of Avestruz and Gregg posted opening round wins and finished fourth.

After traveling to Menomonie this past Tuesday, the Cats will compete in the BRC Tournament this Saturday, Sept. 22, at Eau Claire North. They wrap up the regular season with a nonconference dual match Thursday, Sept. 27 at Baldwin-Woodville.

Tags: sports, prep, tennis, wildcats, wisconsin