The Trojan Girls Tennis Team was all smiles after winning their third straight meet of the week. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE BEARDEN

The good times are rolling for the STC girls tennis team as the Trojans are currently enjoying a three-meet winning streak.

Trojans Take Tight Contest With Union

The South Tama County Girls Tennis Team traveled to La Porte City on Monday, April 17 to face the Union Knights. The Trojans showed resilience and grit as they battled their opponent, coming away with a hard fought 5-4 victory.

A persistent wind with gusts of up to 25 mph kept the lady Trojans on their toes, but the victory started the Trojans on a winning streak.

The close matchup was decided by Sophomores Hannah Houghton and Brooke Hitchcock. As all other matches concluded, the duo realized the result of the meet would fall in their rackets. The young duo jumped out to an early 3-1 lead utilizing strong net play and consistent baseline scrambling. The team from Union battled back evening things out 3-3.

However, the scurry of offense from the Knights was not to be. Houghton and Hitchcock powered their way to an 8-5 victory and sealed the meet win for the Trojans.

Trojans Melt Mustangs 6-3

Continuing on in their busy week, the Trojans traveled to Mount Vernon on Tuesday, April 18 and won 6-3. The Trojans were able to secure four of six singles matches, with #3 Hannah Houghton, #4 Brooke Hitchcock, #5 Katie Husak, and #6 Cassandra Klostermann all victorious. Putting away the meet with wins at #2 Doubles, Houghton/Hitchcock and #3 Doubles, Husak/Klostermann.

Hitchcock’s match at #4 Singles against Lainey Kelly proved to be vital in giving South Tama the momentum in the meet. Trailing 2-5, Hitchcock looked to be in trouble, but after adjusting, she took the next six of the next nine games. The sophomore evened things at 8-8 and headed into a tiebreaker.

Hitchcock rallied and won eight points to six in the tiebreaker, ending at 9-8(6). The win gave South Tama a commanding lead after singles play.

Senior Cassandra Klostermann continued her winning streak as of late by beating Tallulah Norton at #6 Singles. Katie Husak remained consistent as ever, only suffering one loss this season. At #5, Husak Utilizing her experience, Husak won the match 8-5.

Sophomore Hannah Houghton added to South Tama’s team total by defeating Meredith McCollum 8-2 at #3 Singles. Mount Vernon recorded wins at #1 and #2 Singles.

Kara Nachazel fell 8-5 to Kelsey Kamerling at #2 Singles. Senior Alondra Bolanos-Lupian faced undefeated Jordan Bliele at #1 Singles. The final score didn’t reflect Bolanos-Lupian’s effort as she came up short 1-8.

Leading 4-2 after singles play, the Trojans turned their attention to doubles with only one match win needed to establish victory. Husak/Klostermann trailed 4-5 early in their doubles match. Executing pinpoint service returns, they were able to shift momentum close out the victory 8-6. The win clinched the meet win for the Trojans.

Adding to the tally Houghton/Hitchcock won at #2 Doubles over Kamerling/Kelly. The talented sophomores surged late in the final three games of the match to win 8-5. In the final match of the night, Bolanos-Lupian/Nachazel faced Bliele/McCcollum at #1 Singles. The team from Mount Vernon used a powerful serve to control the match throughout and race to a quick 4-1 lead.

Bolanos-Lupian/Nachazel’s determination made for many entertaining points as they continued to battle. In the end, the Mustangs snatched victory 8-3.

This win leaves the Trojans’ dual meet record at 3-3 halfway through the season.

STC Girls Stomp South Hardin 6-3

Continuing on, the Lady Trojans traveled to Eldora on April 20 and defeated the South Hardin Tigers 6-3. The win was the third of the week for the Trojans pushing their season record to 4-3. STC won four of six singles matches and two of three doubles matches to control the meet.

Kara Nachazel recorded a huge win at #2 Singles. Facing Elizabeth Stanish, Nachazel won 8-6 for the Trojans.

Sophomore Hannah Houghton made a dramatic comeback at #3 Singles. Trailing 5-7 to Madison Salazar, Houghton managed to bring the score back to 8-8. In a back-and-forth tiebreaker, Houghton ripped several key forehands to take control and win 9-8(6).

Katie Husak moved her season record to 6-1 with another win at #5 Singles. Leading 5-4, the STC Senior grabbed hold of the match with her consistent play to extend the lead and record an 8-6 victory for STC.

Senior Cassandra Klostermann faced Rihana Zapata at #6 Singles. Klostermann dominated early with excellent court coverage and aggressive forehands, proving to be too difficult to overcome for Zapata as she posted an 8-2 win.

At #1 Singles, Bolanos-Lupian continues to face top competitors from every team. Against South Hardin, her opponent was Abby Teske, who won 8-1. Sophomore Brooke Hitchcock faced Peyton Benson at #4 Singles, with Benson winning 8-3 for the Tigers.

The doubles team of Husak/Klostermann guaranteed a Trojan Victory when they defeated Eilders/Zapata at #3 Doubles. At #2 Doubles, Houghton/Hitchcock matched up against Stanish/Salazar, winning 8-6.

In an entertaining match at #1 Doubles, Bolanos-Lupian/Nachazel stepped up against Teske/Benson, but they ultimately fell 8-6 to the Tigers.

“It was great to see the hard work we have put in pay off. Throughout the week it felt like the confidence of the players just snowballed. Every player contributed to the success of the team,” Coach Steve Bearden said. “A highlight for me was to see us get wins over three teams that have stymied us the past few seasons. Union, Mount Vernon, and South Hardin are traditionally strong programs, so posting wins was meaningful and showed our growth.”

With the WaMac Conference Tournament quickly approaching on May 2, the Trojans will face Marion and Boone leading up to postseason action.