Tennis Tigers fall 6-1 to Austin

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Despite all its injuries and first-year varsity players, the Albert Lea High School girls’ tennis team was hoping for a better showing against arch-rival Austin on parents night.

The Tigers will settle for more experience.

A veteran Packer squad came to town Tuesday and handed the locals a 6-1 setback on the Southwest Middle School courts.

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&uot;Again, we’re a M.A.S.H. unit,&uot; said coach Sean Gillam. &uot;But it’s good for the girls to get that experience of playing when we’re not 100 percent.&uot;

The Tigers’ win was at No. 2 doubles, where Cara Thorn and Elizabeth Thompson combined for a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 decision.

&uot;When they are on and moving the way they need to move, they’re dominating,&uot; said Gillam. &uot;When they’re on, they can play with anyone.&uot;

The Tigers’ Brie Bangert and Hali Hendrickson lost 6-3, 6-0 at No. 1 doubles while Kate Schreiber and Niki Hendrickson fell 6-3, 6-0 at No. 3.

Freshman Dezeray Jacobs continued her strong play at No. 1 singles in a 6-2, 6-4 defeat. Amanda Leonard lost 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2, Nicole Greibrok was defeated 6-2, 6-0 at No. 3, and Laura Hibbard fell 6-1, 6-0 at No. 4.

It was the final home meet of the season for the Tigers, who fell to 0-5 in the Big Nine and 2-9 overall.

The Tigers’ lone win at the junior varsity level was by the doubles team of Ellen Helgerson and Alicia Heilmann.

The Tigers have a tough test Thursday, traveling to face defending conference champion and perennial power Rochester Mayo.