After a battle to dry enough courts to hold a match, the Aberdeen Central girls’ tennis program fell 7-2 to Sioux Falls Christian Saturday afternoon in its final home match of the season at the Holgate Tennis Courts.
Central coach John Vogel noted that the Chargers are one of the top tier teams in the state, giving the Golden Eagles a stiff challenge ahead of the Eastern South Dakota Conference tournament and state tournament events.
The Golden Eagles spent the morning trying to get the courts into playing condition, and came out of the gates perhaps a touch off kilter.
“We started with doubles since a couple of courts weren’t quite dry yet, and I’m not sure we were ready to go,” Vogel said.
The Chargers claimed all three doubles matches in quick succession, then moved on with nearly the same level of success in the lower flights of singles play.
The Golden Eagles, however, fought back at the upper flights, garnering wins at flight two and flight three singles.
“We were able to battle them up top,” Vogel said.
Vogel noted that Sarah Knie played well at flight one despite falling behind early in her match. Estelle Riggs (flight 2) and Mady Holman (flight 3) each claimed victories for the Golden Eagles.
“Estelle played great,” Vogel said. “She got out to a 6-1 lead and then was able to hold on for a victory. Very good to see her close out a tough match.”
Holman’s win came in her very last varsity appearance at the Holgate courts.
“She got up 9-6, then had trouble finishing, but won it in a breaker,” Vogel said.
Central will head to Sioux Falls for the ESD tourney on Monday and Tuesday. That event was scheduled to be held in Aberdeen, but a wet and rainy forecast prompted the move to indoor facilities in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls Christian 7, Aberdeen Central 2
Singles
Mackenzie Boyle, SFC, def. Sarah Knie, 10-6.
Estelle Riggs, AC, def. Anna Westenberg, 10-8.
Mady Holman, AC, def. Eisley Roark, 10-9 (7-2).
Piper DeBoer, SFC, def. Penelope Vogel, 10-1.
Mattie Stroh, SFC, def. Jovee Waldo, 10-1.
Dani VanderDussen, SFC, def. Mia Alvear, 10-3.
Doubles
Boyle-Westenberg, SFC, def. Knie-Riggs, 10-3.
Roark-VanderDussen, SFC, def. Holman-Vogel, 10-2.
DeBoer-Stroh, SFC, def. Alvear-Baleigh Dannen, 10-1.
