Six returning letterwinners and a number of talented players vying for the remaining four varsity spots will put the Stewartville girls tennis team in contention with perennial power and 25-consecutive time state qualifier Rochester Lourdes for the HVL conference title this 2020 season. Four starters graduated vacating varsity spots, but the six veterans, including All-HVL and team MVP Miah Mikel, along with Kendall Clausen, Tessa Lanzel, Katrina McCluskey, Chloe Regal and Addison Manley, are back to lead several skilled varsity rookies in improving on last year's 12-4 record and second-place finish in the HVL. "We have a number of players with varsity experience in both the singles and doubles lineup, as well as strong leadership in the captains and senior players," Tiger coach Kelly Manley complimented. "We also have a hard-working group of young skilled players who will strengthen the varsity roster." Tigers 5, Lake City 2 Stewartville got off to a great start with a win over Lake City at home on Aug. 25. Singles player Grace Miller, along with doubles players Maren Honsey, Mya Wagnen, and Malena Krapf, were all victorious in their varsity debuts, shining with their winning veteran teammates in singles players Chloe Regal and Katrina McCluskey, as well as doubles player Addison Manley. "We've had some intense and memorable matches with Lake City that are usually decided by one match, so this win was a strong first-match showing," Manley praised.
SINGLES: No. 1- Chloe Regal won 6-1, 6-0; No. 2- Miah Mikel lost 5-7, 6-4, 8-10; No. 3- Katrina McCluskey won 6-2, 6-3; No. 4- Grace Miller won 6-2, 6-4. DOUBLES: No. 1- Tessa Lanzel/Kendall Clausen lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-10; No. 2- Mya Wangen/Addison Manley won 6-3, 6-2; No. 3- Malena Krapf/Maren Honsey won 6-3, 7-5.
