Grand Forks-The Perham Yellowjacket girls tennis team had its season come to a close in the Section 8A Tournament in Grand Forks, N.D., on Oct. 13.
The Cardinals earned a 5-2 victory over the Yellowjackets. The third seeded Cardinals continued their run to the Section 8A Championship where they were defeated by Crookston for the title.
“Staples-Motley is always a strong program, so we knew we had to play our best tennis of the season,” Perham Head Coach Jameson Miller said. “I thought many of our players accomplished that. However, I also felt a couple of their players played some of their best tennis. We lost a very intense and fun match.”
The loss capped off a strong season overall for the rising Yellowjacket program. The Yellowjackets earned several key victories this year, such as wins over Wadena-Deer Creek, Parkers Prairie, Crosby-Ironton and Detroit Lakes.
It also marked the final team event for seniors Julia Pearson, Aubrey Hill, Savanna Olson, Samantha Heminsley, Danielle Graham and Madison Olson.
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“Each of our six seniors has impacted the program in many different ways. Each senior is very talented at tennis, so they helped make us more competitive on the courts,” Miller said. “Each senior impacted the program in other ways that I hope our other players realize and emulate. Each senior needs to be proud of what they have accomplished. I’m proud of how they impacted the culture of the program in such a positive way.”
The Yellowjackets earned two singles wins, against the eventual Section 8A runner up.
Josie Beachy was victorious at No. 1 singles. Beachy earned a straight set victory. She defeated Ashley Smith, 6-2, 6-2.
The other win came from Brianna Schwantz at No. 4 singles. Schwantz rolled in the first set over Shania Holst, 6-0. However, she held on in the second set, winning the match, 7-5.
At No. 2 singles, Staples-Motley’s Kelsi Peterson defeated Julia Pearson. Peterson won the match, 6-2, 6-3.
Quinn Uhlman earned the second singles point for Staples-Motley, winning at No. 3 singles. She was victorious over Perham’s Makayla Melvin, 6-4, 6-2.
The Yellowjackets battled against the strong doubles teams of the Cardinals, yet it was the Cardinals that held off the Yellowjacket upset bid.
Lauren Nelson and Lexi Johnson defeated Perham’s Savanna Olson and Danielle Graham. Nelson and Johnson won the match, 6-2, 6-1.
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At No. 2 doubles, it was the duo of Claire Wolhowe and Katie Benson earning a 6-2, 6-2, victory over Samantha Heminsley and Madison Olson.
Tatum Williams and Kelsie Weite closed out the doubles sweep for Staples-Motley. The duo defeated Michelle Swyter and Aubrey Hill in straight sets. Williams and Wiete won the match, 6-3, 6-1.
Miller said he appreciated all the support that the program has received.
“I’m really proud of our team,” Miller said. “This being the last match of the year was difficult. I really enjoyed coaching this team.”
Staples-Motley 5
Perham 2
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Singles-Josie Beachy, PER, def. Ashley Smith, S-M, 6-2, 6-2; Kelsi Peterson, S-M, def. Julia Person, PER, 6-2, 6-3; Quinn Uhlman, S-M, def. Makayla Melvin, PER, 6-4, 6-2; Brianna Schwantz, PER, def. Shania Holst, S-M, 6-0, 7-5.
Doubles-Lauren Nelson/Lexi Johnson, S-M, def. Savanna Olson/Danielle Graham, 6-2, 6-1; Claire Wolhowe/Katie Benson, S-M, def. Samantha Heminsley/Madison Olson, 6-2, 6-2; Tatum Williams/Kelsie Weite, S-M, def. Michelle Swyter/Aubrey Hill, 6-3, 6-1.
