Doubles team lone winner in Section 1AA tennis

The New Prague Trojan girls tennis team completed its season Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Section 1AA singles and doubles tournament, held at Fort Snelling Tennis Club.

            The Trojans had two entries into each division - singles and doubles, and Coach Kyle Zellner said all were playing at their peak performances... “Just where we want them at this point in the season.”

            In singles action Jirina Flicek faced Kaylin Wagner of Winona, losing in a very tight match, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.

            “The match lasted almost three hours. Jirina won the first set and had complete control of the match,” Zellner said. “In the second set Winona started to get in a rhythm and took Jirina a little out of her element.  She fought back in the third set but couldn't hold on.”

            The Trojans’ other singles entry, Annika DuMoulin faced Alexis Grover of Winona, losing in two sets, 6-2, 6-3.

            “Annika played some great tennis,” Zellner said. “She moved the ball nicely against her opponent and challenged her at the net.”

            In doubles, Anna Johnson and Deven Fennern teamed up and won their first match before losing in the second round.

            “These two normally played singles this year, but moved into doubles hoping to advance. They beat Sandy Carson and Rainah Ward of Northfield by a score of 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1. It was a very solid game of doubles,” Zellner said. “They were extremely patient and closed out some great points at the net.”

            In the second round they lost to Katie Anie and Maddie Kirscher of Rochester Century 6-0, 6-0.

            “This doubles match was more evident of Deven's style of play.  A very quick one- or two-ball winners. Deven let it all out on that match and they both had a good time.”

            The other doubles  team of Sarah Goblirsch and Justice Kos faced Annika Johnson and Elizabeth Pritchard of Northfield, losing 6-4, 6-3.

            “This was the best match this team played all season,” Zellner said. “They faced them earlier this year and lost 6-0, 6-1. This time they were more aggressive, using good hard, crisp ground strokes and their first serves came in with some power.

            “I think Northfield was expecting a little easier match, and that is not even close to the performance they got today.”