Team Spotlight: Tennis

October 27, 2009 • Derek Stark  
Filed under High School, Sports

For the first time in school history, the Fort Atkinson’s Girls Tennis team is headed to state.

After winning the Badger Conference Title for the second consecutive year, the Varsity Girls’ Tennis squad knew they had the tools to be serious contenders this post season.  What they did not know is that they would turn out to be the first Fort Girls’ Tennis team to advance to state.  Even with having a strong finish to the regular season, many did not expect the team to still be playing in October.

“I knew the team had some really good players who had a shot to make it to individual state, but I never expected them make it to state as a team,” Sophomore Courtney Jackson said.

The team consisting of Leah Dahl, Olivia Hartwick, Lexie Weigand, Ellen Ringle, Kerry Hartwick, Courtney Jacobson, Rhea Bradley, Laura Olsen, Cassie Rains and Allyson Nysted recently competed at the Sub-Sectional, where they finished with the highest point total and advanced to the Sectional Final.

At the Sectional Final, the Blackhawks topped Janesville Craig by seven points, to win the Sectional and advanced to state.

“Winning the sectional over Janesville Craig was an exciting moment in my coaching career.  I was a player at Janesville Craig and started my coaching career there as well under the supervision and direction of Camilla Owen.  It was fun to be in the heat of the battle with my former coach and mentor for the team state berth,” Tennis Coach Mike Derubeis said of the match-up.

State will held in Madison, at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium.  The ladies’ play today, with a spirit bus leaving at 4 pm.

“The State experience is something special and to do it as a team is a great way to finish this season,” Derubeis said.

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