Tigers keep rolling toward conference title goal

Last year, the Hutchinson girls’ tennis team was 6-9 at this point on the season, including 2-2 in the Missota Conference. Fast forward to the present and the Tigers are 16-2 and 4-0 in the conference.

The start has the team right on target for a shot at Red Wing for the conference title and has also likely secured the top seed in the south subsection of Section 2AA.

So, what is the difference in a year?

“I’m a little surprised. I knew we were going to better because we have the experience, but we’ve picked it up,” Tigers coach Paul Linder said. “The girls that have come in — (Jamie) Voelker, (Steph) Steenhoek, (Cortney) Hallahan, Ashley Lund — that didn’t play last year have really improved and made a difference. The girls that are back have also improved a ton. We’re just a better team. We’re up to the challenge.”

The 2008 season has been about reversing the close scores from a year ago into wins. It started early with wins over Foley, Litchfield and then section foes Delano and Orono.

Recently, it has been conference opponents Northfield and Holy Angels on Tuesday.

The Tigers defeated the Stars, 5-2, to remain perfect in the conference season and extended the match win streak to 10.

To read more about the Holy Angels match as well as Monday's dual with Mankato West, make sure to check out Thursday's print edition.

Results Tuesday
Hutchinson 5, Holy Angels 2
Singles — 1. Kyle Ketcho (HA) def. Emily Seller 7-6 (9-7), 6-2; 2. Molly O’Halloran (HA) def. Taylor Reiner 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-2; 3. Kate Byron (H) def. Mary Kate Rigney 6-4, 6-3; 4. Jamie Voelker (H) def. Katie O’Halloran 6-3, 6-3.
Doubles — 1. Anna Rasmussen/Emily Klitzke (H) def. Hannah Kotovic/Acacia Markusou 6-1, 7-6 (7-0); 2. Jenna Juergensen/Ashley Lund (H) def. Kelly Kennedy/Laura Margarit 6-1, 6-1; 3. Katie Haugen/Cortney Hallahan (H) def. Erin Jones/Natalie Lohan 6-2, 6-1; Exhibition: Steph Steenhoek/Ashley Madson (H) def. Elle Fisher/Frances Carlson 6-1, 6-4.

Eric Kraushar is the sports editor at the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sports@hutchinsonleader.com.