Jackets fifth at Mid-State Tournament

By John George

sports@eot.com

Despite a third place finish by Gus Rutten at No. 1 singles, Perham couldn't fight their way out of a 5th place finish at the Mid-State Conference Tennis Tournament, held in Park Rapids last Thursday. Staples-Motley was able to defend their conference title, edging Park Rapids by three points (30-27). The Cardinals picked up first place finishes at the top three singles positions. Detroit Lakes was third (24), followed by Wadena-Deer Creek (13) and Perham (11).

Rutten started his All-Conference run with a 7-6, 6-1 win over W-DC's top singles player. He lost his next two matches to finish third overall.

Mike Buer picked up the Jackets only other match win, taking a 6-1, 6-2 win over W-DC's No. 3 singles player to earn fourth place.

The No. 2 doubles team of Nick Delaney and Mike Howe also finished fourth, taking a 6-3, 6-4 decision from a W-DC team in the final match.

Perham's No. 2 singles player, Cody Gustafson, had a tough day. Gustafson, who earned All-Conference honors as the team's No. 1 player last year, lost a three set match in the first round (6-3, 2-6, 11-9), before getting knocked out in the second round.

"The boys played well against stiff competition ," head coach Kyle Knutson said. "We look forward to some rematches next year."

The Jackets will close out their regular season today (May 17) with a home triangular. Perham will host Detroit Lakes at 2 p.m., then will take a break as the Lakers take on Staples-Motley. The Jackets will finish triangular against S-M.

TUESDAY UPDATE

Wolverines beat Perham

The Yellowjacket tennis team hosted Wadena-Deer Creek in a rescheduled match from a May 4 rain-out. The Wolverines prevailed, 4-3

Wadena-Deer Creek 4, Perham 3

Singles

1. Gus Rutten (P) def. Blazek, 6-1, 6-1; 2. Brown (WDC) def. Cody Gustafson, 6-3, 7-6; 3. Mike Buer (P) def. Hall, 6-3, 6-3; 4. Tucker (WDC) def. Scott Eickschen, 6-2, 6-4.

Doubles

1. Leyh and Bigham (WDC) def. John Carlson and Tim Buchin, 7-5, 6-4; 2. Mike Howey and Nick Delaney (P) def. Bain & Gerard, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3; 3. Ellingsworth & Garcia (WDC) def. Brandon Lange & Dylan Ashcroft, 6-3, 6-2.

Thursday, May 10

Mid-State Conference Tournament

at Park Rapids

1. Staples-Motley 30, 2. Park Rapids 27, 3. Detroit Lakes 24, 4. Wadena-Deer Creek 13, 5. Perham 11.

Singles

1. Gus Rutten 1-2 (3rd Place); 2. Cody Gustafson 0-2 (5th Place); 3. Mike Buer 1-1 (4th Place); 4. Scott Eickschen 0-2 (5th Place).

Doubles

1. John Carlson & Tim Buchin 0-2 (5th Place); 2. Nick Delaney & Mike Howe 1-1 (4th Place); 3. Brendon Lange & Dylan Ashcroft 0-2 (5th Place).