Alondra Bolanos-Lupian serves during her 8-0 season debut win against Oelwein on Monday. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

The South Tama Girls Tennis Team was dominant in a 9-0 team victory over the Oelwein Huskies on Monday. The Trojans battled through the harsh spring winds, at the STC Tennis Complex.

The contest was the season debut for both teams.

South Tama was led by Alondra Bolanos-Lupian, a senior in the #1 Position. In her match against Kendra Rechkemmer, Bolanos-Lupian capitalized on her excellent footwork, gliding around the court to retrieve her opponent’s shots.

Consistency played a critical role for Bolanos-Lupian as she converted on break point after break point to control the match. Her ability to manage the windy conditions during her own service games was another key point for her 8-0 win.

“The wind did affect us a bit, but not too much since we did practice the day before with the wind as well, so we were a bit prepared for it,” Bolanos-Lupian said.

Senior Kara Nachazel continued STC’s winning ways at #2 Singles against Lauren Reagan from Oelwein. Nachazel used her experience to control the match from the beginning, frustrating her opponent to a multitude of errors.

Nachazel was relentless, retrieving ball after ball, showcasing her uncanny ability to dig deep for every point. Surrendering just one game on the set, Nachazel’s 8-1 win added to STC’s early lead.

Up next at #3 was sophomore Hannah Houghton, matching up with Mackenzie Palmer. Houghton’s previous varsity experience proved valuable as she made early corrections in the match. Adjusting her service and groundstroke motions midgame provided Houghton with the edge as she gave up just one game to her opponent in a 8-1 victory to start her season.

South Tama’s Brooke Hitchcock grabbed the win at #4 Singles for the Trojans. The talented sophomore played varsity as a freshman along with Houghton. Senior Katie Husak notched a win at #5 Singles for South Tama. No stranger to varsity tennis, Husak played an integral role in a successful 2022 postseason for the Trojans.

Making her debut on the courts, Cassandra Klostermann recorded a win at #6 Singles for the Trojans. A spring dual-sport athlete for the Trojans, Klostermann brings raw talent to the courts. Her wealth of volleyball experience led to an easy transition into tennis.

Entering doubles action the Trojans held an insurmountable lead over the Huskies. STC was determined to send a message with their first meet.

At #1 Doubles, Bolanos-Lupian and Nachazel cruised to an easy 8-1 victory. Giving up only one game in the set, the duo utilized a steady ground game and smothering net play to convincingly defeat their opponents.

STC counted wins at #2 Doubles by Houghton/Hitchcock and #3 Doubles by Husak/Klostermann to sweep the Huskies and record the 9-0 dual meet win.

In JV Action, STC proved too much for the Huskies as they notched a 4-0 victory. Senior Jimena Nunez got the Trojans rolling early as she defeated her opponent 6-0 in singles play. Sophomore Kylie Husak recorded a 6-0 victory over her singles opponent. In doubles action, Juniors Arianna Herrera and Ciela Ornelas teamed to win their first ever match by a score of 6-4. Nunez/Husak capped off the winning for the Trojans by recording a 4-1 win in JV doubles action.

The Trojans next meet is scheduled for Thursday in Independence.