By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Thursday afternoon the Merrill tennis team hosted last years conference champs, Wausau East. Merrill would put up a good fight, however would fall short in the end losing 4-3.
“We gave it our all against Wausau East, who was the defending Valley Conference champions from last year.” comments Merrill coach Laura Clabots. “Wausau East beat us 7-0 last year, so losing 4-3 this year was quite an improvement. Wausau East’s number one and two singles players are very good this year. Alexandra Johnson and Anna Skoviera, respectively, played smart matches against them but ended up losing.”
In singles play Savannah Carroll, Wausau East, beat Merrill’s Alexandra Johnson 6-0, 6-0; Lea Ratanawong of East defeated Anna Skoviera 6-1, 6-0; East’s Claire Peterson topped Kamille Ament 6-0, 6-0; Merrill’s Amelia Skoviera beat Lillie Bauman 7-5, 6-7 (6), 7-5.
In the doubles matches Zoe Briguelet-Miller of Wausau East defeated Elizabeth Boulanger-Sierra Humphrey 6-1, 6-0; The Jays’ Anna Rydeski-Erin Murray defeated Katie Martell-Lillie Grace Faulkner 6-1, 6-1; Emma Jaeger-Molly Rydeski of Merrill beat Morgan McHugh-Ceanna Potter 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Coach Clabots had this to say about her doubes teams, “Erin Murray and Anna Rydeski looked impressive at number two doubles winning 6-1, 6-1. Erin Murray has not played tennis very long but her basketball and volleyball background has helped her tremendously. She is a natural athlete. She has a bright future ahead as she is only a sophomore. Merrill’s number three doubles team of Emma Jaeger and Molly Rydeski pulled off yet another win. They continue to lead varsity with the best record.”
The Merrill tennis team will head to Wausau West on Tuesday for another conference match up, starting at 4 p.m.