Timm and Ellenbecker pose with their runner up awards after a day of upsets. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE BEARDEN

BOONE — The South Tama County boys tennis team traveled to Boone on Saturday, April 15 to take part in the Boone Tennis Invite. As a team, the Trojans placed fifth, trailing powerhouses Boone, North Polk, Ames and Denison-Schleswig. The #1 Doubles Team of Kaden Timm and Austyn Ellenbecker finished 4-1 on the day to claim runner-up honors.

Timm/Ellenbecker suffered an early defeat by Boone in the opening round. They fell with a score of 1-8. The Duo regrouped to go undefeated the rest of the day. Coming back for round two, they easily handled Creston’s #1 doubles team with a score of 8-1. Timm’s return of serve and Ellenbecker’s consistent net play proved to be critical elements to their success.

In round three against Ames, Timm/Ellenbecker powered their way to a 7-2 victory. Utilizing fundamental doubles play, they powered their way to another win. With the duo’s ability to poach at the net and knock off winning volleys out of the reach of their opponents.

Round four saw Timm/Ellenbecker pull off arguably the biggest upset of the day, when they defeated the heavily favored duo from North Polk 6-3. Showing immense mental fortitude, the talented team kept the pressure on their opponents.

With huge bursts of energy, Timm/Ellenbecker scrambled point after point to secure the winning shot. Plagued with errors, the frustrated team from North Polk fell.

The final round was suspended by the incoming rain as Timm/Ellenbecker were leading 2-1 over Denison-Schleswig.

With a final record of 4-1 Timm and Ellenbecker achieved runner-up honors in a loaded field of competitors.