Netters perfect season ends in elite eight

By Becky Walz,

The 2023 team season came to an end Saturday for the Decorah girls tennis team in the Elite Eight against Columbus. Members of the Viking squad showing off their trophy include (front, l-r) Haley Gossman, Annalise Skrade; (back) Coach Regi Laursen, Coach Kristy Schilling, Camryn Holland, Klaara Short, Jaidyn Dubel, Evon Leitz, Kaitlyn Bjork, Olivia Huinker, Coach Phil Yee and Head Coach Amanda Huinker. (submitted photo)

The Decorah girls tennis team’s 15-0 season came to an end on Saturday in a tough match against the Columbus Catholic Sailors.
“Going into the competition, the girls knew we were underdogs going against the heavy favorites to win the state team competition. Our goal was to concentrate on playing quality tennis and good points…because good points can make for good games” said Head Coach Amanda Huinker.  “To the untrained eye, our match score of 0-5 makes it look like we didn’t put up much of a fight, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each of our players made their opponents truly earn their win; they played amazing and didn’t go down easily, and in that sense, we accomplished our team goal. I couldn’t be more pleased with the girls’ success and development as players this season.”
While the season for the team is over, three netters are set to compete in the state individual and doubles tournament. In singles competition, Evon Leitz will take the court against Catherine Straus of Spirit Lake, while the doubles team of Annalise Skrade and Haley Gossman will square off with Jersie Nitchals and Kennedy Paul of Estherville. Both matches are scheduled for Friday, May 26, at the Byrnes Park Tennis Center in Waterloo at 10 a.m.

Decorah 0, Columbus 5
Singles: No. 1 Annalise Skrade (Decorah) lost to Sophia Fain (Columbus) 2-6, 0-6; No. 2 Evon Leitz (Decorah) lost to Alli Hagness (Columbus) 1-6, 1-6; No. 3 singles, Haley Gossman (Decorah) lost to Averly Hogan (Columbus) 2-6, 0-6; No. 4 singles, Olivia Huinker (Decorah) lost to Kate Holton (Columbus) 1-6, 0-6; No. 6 Klaara Short (Decorah) lost to Rachel Hollen (Columbus) 2-6, 1-6; No. 5 Camryn Holland (Decorah) didn’t finish with Bella Nelson (Columbus)

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