By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington girls tennis team dropped a 0-9 decision to a tough Grand Island Central Catholic team in a home match on Friday but responded with several strong individual and doubles performances in a home matchup against Omaha Mercy on Monday, April 13.

vs. Grand Island Central Catholic (Friday, April 10)

Despite the sweep, the Bennington doubles teams stood out with good teamwork and communication.

“The highlight of the day went to the doubles teams who worked together and with great communication to win some games against their opponents,” Head Coach Jennifer Christensen said. “Hannah Wageman and Ariel Crawford fought hard and ended at 4-8 at #2 Doubles.”

Top singles players Ava Houser and Hilda Shoo also battled hard.

“#1 Singles, Ava Houser and #2 Singles Hilda Shoo battled against some tough singles players and stayed in every point going to deuce many times,” Christensen noted.

Full Results vs. Grand Island Central Catholic:

Singles  

– #1 Singles: Ava Houser 0-8  

– #2 Singles: Hilda Shoo 0-8  

– #3 Singles: Addie Foltz 4-8  

– #4 Singles: Maysen Holdorf 2-8  

– #5 Singles: Ariel Crawford 2-8  

– #6 Singles: Hannah Wageman 0-8  

Doubles  

– #1 Doubles: Maysen Holdorf and Addie Foltz 0-8  

– #2 Doubles: Hannah Wageman and Ariel Crawford 4-8  

– #3 Doubles: Zoe Nelson and Hanifa Kosso Mahamane 2-8  

Christensen was especially pleased with the team’s attitude and mental toughness.

“What I appreciated most about the entire team is that they kept great attitudes even during tough matches and hard losses, and kept giving their best effort,” she said. “The mental part of the game of tennis is the most difficult part for any player, and I see a lot of growth in our team’s ability to keep fighting and move on from difficulties.”

vs. Omaha Mercy (Monday, April 13)

Bennington bounced back with a much more competitive showing at home against Omaha Mercy, picking up several wins across the lineup.

Full Results vs. Omaha Mercy:

Doubles 

– #1 Doubles: Maysen Holdorf / Addison Foltz def. Hailey Carlsen / Kathryn Woodling 9-8 (7-3)  

– #2 Doubles: Ariel Crawford / Hannah Wageman def. Lilly Williams / Rosalynn Pensick 8-1  

– #3 Doubles: Hanifa Mahamane Kosso / Zoe Nelson lost to Mackenzy McColley / Brenna Hanzlik 4-8  

Singles

– #1 Singles: Ava Houser lost to Kinsie Tauriella 7-9  

– #2 Singles: Hilda Shoo def. Brigid Kelly 8-3  

– #3 Singles: Addison Foltz def. Rosalynn Pensick 8-1  

– #4 Singles: Maysen Holdorf vs. Kathryn Woodling 0-0 (inj)  

– #5 Singles: Ariel Crawford def. Mackenzy McColley 8-5  

– #6 Singles: Hannah Wageman def. Brenna Hanzlik 8-0  

The team is now preparing for a busy week with four matches scheduled. Coach Christensen remains optimistic.

“This coming week is a busy one with four matches and we are ready to keep playing solid tennis, learn from our mistakes, and get some wins!”

Bennington will look to carry the momentum from their wins against Omaha Mercy into the upcoming slate of matches.