End of the road

The season ended for Sauk Prairie’s girls tennis team on Oct. 7.  But those that reached the WIAA Division 1 Oconomowoc Sectional showed grit, determination and in some cases, remarkable promise for the future. Ava Andres and Faith Holler lost their first match at No. 3 doubles to an Oconomowoc duo, then rallied past a pair from Badger in the third place match. At No. 3 singles, Sauk Prairie’s Olivia Joyce lost a pair of matches, but showed tremendous resolve trying to fight through an ankle injury. At No. 3 doubles, Oconomowoc’s Mara Hoffmann and Karina Manders opened the day with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Andres and Holler. “Faith and Ava had a great battle in their first match against Oconomowoc,” Sauk Prairie coach Heather Slosarek said. “The seasoned Oconomowoc players had great shots, but Faith and Ava continued to go toe-to-toe with them throughout both sets.” Andres and Holler then rebounded with an impressive 6-0, 6-4 win over Badger’s Jaiden Lauer and Cameron Heckel in the third place match. “Their serves and net play were on, and they were making great doubles decisions,” Slosarek said of Holler and Andres. “Lake Geneva Badger gained a little momentum in the second set after a few games that went to deuce several times. However, Faith and Ava maintained their focus, worked together to rally in points, and made the necessary put-aways when they counted.” While the Eagles’ tandem fell short of state, they had a sensational first season together. “For a team that was thrown together at the beginning of the season, given the injury to Faith’s two-year partner Lauren Frey, they really worked as a team to accomplish a lot this season,” Slosarek said of her doubles team. “Faith demonstrated an ability to adapt to a new partner and took Ava under her wing, and Ava stepped up to fill some big shoes with conviction and a competitive drive. I can’t wait to see what they both do next year.” At No. 3 singles, Joyce lost her first match to Slinger’s Joscelyn Brennan, 6-3, 3-0. Midway through the second set, Joyce suffered an ankle injury that caused her to retire from the that match — and the third place match, as well. “Olivia started out her first match strong, however, she suffered an ankle sprain midway through her second set,” Slosarek said. “While she utilized her medical time-out, got her ankle wrapped, and tried to continue on with the match, she was greatly favoring her other foot. I made the call to pull her off of the court with the hopes that maybe some time to ice and elevate would give her a chance to play the next match.   “After checking in with the trainer and measuring the pain levels, we decided it would be best to retire from the third place match. OJ was a trooper! While it wasn’t the end she was hoping for, she refocused her day to supporting her teammates and being their biggest cheerleader! Great leadership from this senior!”   Oct. 7 WIAA Division 1 Oconomowoc Sectional Singles No. 3 — Joscelyn Brennan, Slinger, def. Olivia Joyce, Sauk Prairie, 6-3, 3-0. No. 3 — Ashley Monty, Mukwonago, def. Olivia Joyce, Sauk Prairie, 2-0, 2-0  Doubles No. 3 - Mara Hoffmann-Karina Manders, Oconomowoc, def. Ava Andres-Faith Holler, Sauk Prairie, 6-4, 6-4  No. 3 — Ava Andres-Faith Holler, Sauk Prairie, def. Jaiden Lauer-Cameron Heckel, Badger, 6-0, 6-4.