STC’s Serena Lowe looks to make a return during the Trojans team regional matchup with Mt. Vernon. Photo provided

As the STC Girls Tennis Team waited to hear their first round opponent for Team Regional, they knew there was a possibility of facing a familiar foe. When the IGHSAU released the team pairings, the Trojans were a bit surprised to learn that they would be facing WAMAC Conference Champion Mount Vernon for the fourth time in five weeks.

Despite falling twice to the Mustangs in dual meet action and finishing behind them at the conference meet, the Trojans played with grit an displayed plenty of fight as they faced the two-time WAMAC Champs on April 13 in Grinnell. The Trojans forced their opponent to play their best tennis before falling 1-5.

Sophomore Abbie Morgan recorded the lone win for STC as she defeated Bianca Kladivo at #6 Singles. Morgan secured a close first set by the score of 7-5. With the comfort of that set behind her, Morgan went on a tear as she raced to a second set win 6-0. Senior Serena Lowe faced Jessica Barske at #5 Singles. Barske grabbed the first set 6-2 before Lowe gained her footing in the match. The talented senior from South Tama fought back to gain a 3-0 lead in the second set. Barske battled back to even things at 3-3. Both players held serve twice to get to 5-5. In the end, Barske converted a break to win the match 6-2, 7-5.

Laura Fernandez-Garcia battled Grace Pelley at #4 Singles. South Tama’s Exchange Student from Spain, Fernandez-Garcia, found herself down in the match as she lost the first set 2-6. In the second set, she gained momentum to push things to 5-5. Pelley broke late in the set and then held serve to grab a 6-2, 7-5 win for the Mustangs. Courtney Anderson had won just four games from Katie Wycoff in two previous matches at #3 Singles. The senior from South Tama saved some of her best tennis for her opponent on May 13th. Anderson dug deep throughout the match as she kept pace with Wycoff. In the end, Wycoff got the breaks she needed to convert a 6-4, 6-4 win for the Mustangs.

Junior Bri Nelson looked across the net and saw Brittney Darrow at #2 Singles for the fourth time in a short season. Nelson held her own, point by point, but couldn’t find the consistency necessary to record a victory. Darrow secured a 6-0, 6-0 win.

STC’s Laura Fernandez-Garcia competes during the team regional matchup with Mt. Vernon. Photo provided

Facing the best player that every team has to offer every time she steps on the court, Senior Brycelyn Haughey has represented South Tama at the highest level all season long. Her opponent from Mount Vernon at #1 Singles has built a decorated profile. Wynne Vandersall is the 2016 & 2017 WAMAC Singles Champion and was a 2016 State Tennis Meet Qualifier. Despite falling 0-6, 0-6, Haughey battled Vandersall every step of the way proving that each match throughout the season has helped her to grow as a player.

In round two, Mount Vernon defeated Grinnell 5-4 to move to the Regional Final to be held on May 20th.

STC’s Brycelyn Haughey with a serve at the team regional contest. Photo provided