PIERRE – Aberdeen Roncalli split a pair of 7-2 tennis decisions on the second and final day of the Pierre Invitational Saturday, falling first to Rapid City Christian before rebounding for a win over Madison.
Gianna Cihak claimed a singles win in that opening dual, defeating Norah Beckloff in a tiebreaker at third flight singles. Cihak won the tiebreaker set by a 7-3 count.
Abigail Andersen and Lydia Nora teamed up for a 10-6 win at third flight doubles for Roncalli’s second win of the match.
“We started the day versus Rapid City Christian and I felt we were really flat and didn’t have a lot of energy or enthusiasm,” said Roncalli coach Ryan Bohle. “Gianna had a really nice tiebreaker win at three singles.”
Despite the setback to open the day, the Cavaliers were able to bounce back in the nightcap.
“I thought it would be interesting to see how our young squad would respond versus Madison,” Bohle said. “We challenged the kids a little and they responded in a big way and played very well.”
Roncalli’s lone losses came at fourth flight singles and second flight doubles. The remainder of the lineup came away with arguably convincing victories.
“Sydney Bohle, Abbie Andersen and Lydia Nora continue to eat up wins for us, and that is just huge for our team,” Coach Bohle said. “Gianna continues to just be so smooth.”
Bohle also pointed out a win from senior Josie Mitzel at top-flight singles, her first of the season at that spot. Mitzel also teamed up with Sydney Bohle for a win at first flight doubles.
“Josie is such a tremendous leader for our young team and I am so happy for her,” Bohle said.
Bohle added that the four-match weekend was a big opportunity early in the season for a lot of his players to pick up both matches and victories.
“We took six varsity players and three junior varsity players to Pierre, and all nine of them had multiple victories,” he said. “That speaks to our depth.”
Roncalli will head to Madison next weekend for another two days of action at the Madison Invitational.
Rapid City Christian 7, Aberdeen Roncalli 2
Singles
Addie Palmer, RCC, def. Josie Mitzel, 10-0.
Alex Love, RCC, def. Sydney Bohle, 10-1.
Gianna Cihak, AR, def. Norah Beckloff, 10-9 (7-3).
Grace Herrington, RCC, def. Olivia Andersen, 10-2.
Cora Love, RCC, def. Abigail Andersen, 10-7.
Nasaya Frie, RCC, def. Lydia Nora, 10-5.
Doubles
Palmer-A. Love, RCC, def. Mitzel-Bohle, 10-1.
Beckloff-C. Love, RCC, def. Cihak-O. Andersen, 10-2.
A. Andersen/Nora, AR, def. Frie/Herrington, 10-6.
Aberdeen Roncalli 7, Madison 2
Singles
Josie Mitzel, AR, def. Stephanie Hansen, 10-4.
Sydney Bohle, AR, def. Lydia Breddin, 10-2.
Gianna Cihak, AR, def. Shelby Poncelet, 10-4.
Calista Sahr, MAD, def. Olivia Andersen, 10-2.
Abigail Andersen, AR, def. Alishia Severson, 10-0.
Lydia Nora, AR, def. Karissa Grayson, 10-1.
Doubles
Mitzel-Bohle, AR, def. S. Hansen-Breddin, 10-1.
Poncelet-Sahr, MAD, def. Cihak-O. Andersen, 10-5.
A. Anderson-Nora, AR, def. Severson-Grayson, 10-3.
