USC girls’ tennis advances to semifinals at GAC

WELLS — The United South Central girls’ tennis is one small step closer to the state tournament after beating Blue Earth Area 7-0 in the Section 2A quarterfinals Thursday.

The No. 2 seeded Rebels (11-1) beat the No. 10 Buccaneers (3-12) in straight sets across the board and didn’t allow more than three games in any set.

“The girls hit well,” USC head coach Kim Stervermer said. “I was a little nervous because we haven’t played since Saturday and I didn’t know how well we would move, but the girls played their game and we came out on top.”

Stervermer said that the No. 1 doubles team of seniors Brianna Schroeder and Camille Christian played their best match of the season, beating Blue Earth Area’s Blaire Zierke and Autumn Drake 6-0, 6-1.

“They are playing well together and are so much fun to watch” said Stervermer of her top doubles duo.

The Rebels play No. 3 seeded Saint Peter (8-7) Monday in the Section 2A semifinals at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, and will play in the championship that same day, if they win.

The Rebels beat Saint Peter 4-3 on Aug. 24.

We were Saint Peter’s first match and I know that they have improved and moved some girls around,” Stervermer said. “But we have also improved and have been playing great tennis this past couple weeks so I know it will be a good match.”

That match is slated to start at 9 a.m.

United South Central 7, Blue Earth Area 0

Singles

No. 1 Ali Ramsley (USC) def. Emily Slama forfeit

No. 2 Rachel Mattick (USC) def. Abby Nimz 6-0, 6-1

No. 3 Robin Staloch (USC) def. Kelly Shortenhaus 6-0, 6-3

No. 4 Claire Christian (USC) def. Karleigh Wolff 6-3, 6-2

Doubles

No. 1 Cami Christian/Brianna Schroeder (USC) def. Blaire Zierke/Autumn Drake 6-0, 6-1

No. 2 Dani Roberts/Megan Chicos (USC) def. Lindsey Prokop 6-1, 6-3

No. 3 Ali Wood/Monica Bye (USC) def. Aeli Olson/Makeila Shortenhaus 6-1, 6-3