MOUNT PLEASANT – The inaugural fall girls' tennis season got off to a strong start as the Lady Hounds rallied to beat Mt. Pleasant 5-4 on a sweep of doubles' play.
Mady Emmett and Sydney McEntee battled to an 8-8 even set in their No. 1 doubles match and came away with a 7-4 win in the tiebreaker for a 9-8 win. While that extended play was happening, Lucille Zimmerman and Marless Weiler won 8-5 and Savannah Sissel and Lily Buckner rolled to an 8-2 win. The three doubles wins helped offset a 2-5 performance in singles' play.
Zimmerman started the season at No. 1 for Fort Madison and fell 2-8 against Lila Cook. Emmett fell 6-8 at No. 2. Both Sissell and McEntee lost at 3 and 4 with McEntee being edged 7-8 by the Panthers' Bella Davis.
Athena Snook knocked off Lianah Phangchanthong 8-2 and Weiler got a win at No. 6 over Luca Moyes 8-0 to round out the scoring.
“Lucille Zimmerman and Marlee Weiler came out on top for their doubles. It was a new pairing that did amazing and gelled well together,” said first-year coach MaShelle Knipe.
“Mady Emmett and Sydney McEntee both pushed through the heat and tiredness from their extended singles to come out with a victory during a tiebreaker. All the doubles groups showed their adaptability and willingness to try something different. Their communication between each member of the doubles team was truly something to watch.”
She said Snook and Weiler took on additional challenges and adapted to changes quickly.
“They stepped up when their team needed them most. No complaints. No hesitation.”
Knipe said the heat was a challenge all evening.
“Even though it was hot, they persevered. I am incredibly proud of them and they should be proud of themselves, as well. These girls walked away with confidence and joy. More than that, they walked away believing in themselves. To me, that is the true victory,” she said.
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