Three matches, three wins and on to state for Vikes

By Becky Walz,

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 8:10 am

The Decorah boys tennis team punched a ticket Wednesday, May 17, to the tennis team state meet in Iowa City. All smiles with the state qualifying banner are Viking players (l-r) Liam Chamberlain, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Landon Baker, Daniel Skrade, Gabe Hiner, Seth Bolson and Caden Branum. (submitted photo)

The Decorah boys tennis team played three substate matches last week with two on Monday, May 15 (postponed from Friday, May 12 due to rain) and one Wednesday, winning all three and earning a bid to the state tournament, in Iowa City, Thursday and Friday, May 31-June 1.
When a team reaches 5 wins the rest of the matches are pulled and the meet is considered over.
On Monday morning Decorah defeated Hampton-Dumont-Cal 5-0 in a lopsided victory. Monday afternoon Osage, who played earlier in the day as well, came to Luther and Decorah again won 5-0.
“The Osage match was one of the best performances top to bottom that all kids came ready to play. I was especially proud of Michael Njus who had to step into both matches at the last minute because of my No. 1 player, Caden Branum, had a cold. Michael showed his senior experience and got big victories,” said Coach Matt Anderson.
On Wednesday Aplington-Parkersburg, the winner of the other half of the district came to Luther to determine the district champion and a place in the final eight at state. Having played a tight contest earlier in the year with A-P, and seeing them at the individual district tournament, the Vikes knew what to expect.
“They came ready to play, but once again the Decorah team continued ascending and played another great match from top to bottom,” noted Coach Anderson.
Branum had another battle at No. 1 against Tate Neymeyer, another state qualifier, but came out with a 6-2 and 6-4 victory. Seniors Daniel Skrade and Landon Baker at No. 2 and No. 3 showed their experience and fought through a few tough spots to win 6-0, 6-3 and 6-0, 6-4 respectively. At No. 4 Liam Chamberlain rolled 6-2 and 6-1 as well as Seth Bolson at No. 6 winning 6-0 and 6-0. At No. 5 Aidan Nalean-Carlson started fast only to have his opponent fight back with a never quit fight chasing everything down, but the Viking showed the same fight and was winning 6-4 and 4-2 when the match got pulled.
“I’m so happy for this team and the fans who were great as always to get this win at home and earn a trip to Iowa City,” concluded Coach Anderson.

Team regional results vs. H-D-C
Singles: No. 1 Daniel Skrade (Decorah) defeated Coleman Condon (HDC) 6-0, 5-1; No. 2 Landon Baker (Decorah) defeated Andyn White (HDC) 6-1, 6-0; No. 3 Liam Chamberlain (Decorah) defeated Landyn McGuire (HDC) 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Aidan Nalean-Carlson (Decorah) defeated Dominick Nicholson (HDC) 6-0, 6-0; No. 5 Seth Bolson (Decorah) defeated Ben Baird (HDC) 6-0, 6-0; No. 6 Michael Njus (Decorah) defeated Zach Schwab (HDC) 6-0, 6-0

Team regional results vs. Osage
Singles: No. 1 Daniel Skrade (Decorah) defeated Jarin Camlin (Osage) 6-0, 6-0; No. 2 Landon Baker (Decorah) defeated Carson Nasstrom (Osage) 6-2, 3-1; No. 3 Liam Chamberlain (Decorah) defeated Ian Schwarting (Osage) 6-1, 6-1; No. 4 Aidan Nalean-Carlson (Decorah) defeated Brady Nicholson (Osage) 6-0, 6-0; No. 5 Seth Bolson (Decorah) defeated Connor Thome (Osage) 6-1, 6-0; No. 6 Michael Njus (Decorah) defeated Gabe Muller (Osage) 6-3, 6-0

Team regional results vs. Aplington-Parkersburg
Singles: No. 1 Caden Branum (Decorah) defeated Tate Neymeyer (A-P) 6-3, 6-4; No. 2 Daniel Skrade (Decorah) defeated Adam Maske (A-P) 6-0, 6-3; No. 3 Landon Baker (Decorah) defeated Grant Wedeking (A-P) 6-0, 6-4; No. 4 Liam Chamberlain (Decorah) defeated Keegan Bolhuis (A-P) 6-2, 6-1; No. 5 Aidan Nalean-Carlson (Decorah) defeated Gabe Jacobson (A-P) 6-4, 4-2; No. 6 Seth Bolson (Decorah) defeated Tommy Janssen (A-P) 6-0, 6-0

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