McCook netters have tough day indoors

Bison girls tennis

team competes

at Lex Thursday

HOLDREGE -- The McCook High School girls tennis team lost 3-of-4 matches Tuesday in a dual at Holdrege.

The meet was played indoors because of cold weather outdoors.

In No. 1 singles play, McCook's Hanah Swanhorst lost 8-2.

Hannah Putz lost at No. 2 singles 8-6.

In No. 1 doubles, Melissa Lyster and Amy Lester lost 9-8 (7-1).

In No. 2 doubles, McCook's Alli Lester and Michelle McKenna lost 9-8 (7-2).

"Due to poor weather conditions matches were forced indoors," said McCook tennis coach Matt Wiemers. "With one court to use we just played the girls at their tournament positions.

"It was great to have the opportunity to play, but I was concerned with how the team would perform with the two week lay off. We definitely did not take steps in the right direction today. Our goal as a team is to improve each time we take the court.

"In No. 1 singles, Hanah (Swanhorst) knew she was going up against a great opponent in Marcelle, but Hanah played well and took an early lead. She hit some great first serves and her ground strokes were consistent and that really caught Marcelle off guard. But Marcelle picked up her game and the experience she has won the match.

"I was pleased with Hanah's play, but she needs to become more aggressive and take the net. Once Hanah can incorporate that attacking style and become a well-rounded player, she will become tough to beat.

"In No. 2 singles, Hannah (Putz) battled some sickness and came up on the short end of a evenly played match. Neither player had more than a two game lead and it came down to who had the most left. Hannah competed very well considering her sickness, which was too bad.

"I'm sure these two will see plenty of each other before the season is over. Playing indoors was not beneficial to Hannah, as she is a great lobber. Overall, I was pleased with Hannah's play and the effort was more than we could ask for.

"In No. 1 doubles, Melissa and Amy got off to a great start going up 6-2.

But from there they just fell apart. You have to give credit to Holdrege on how well they responded and played to come back and win the match. It was disappointing loss for the girls, but they will have many opportunities to see Holdrege again.

"Like Hannah, playing indoors was not beneficial, as Melissa and Amy can hit lobs pretty well. I'm sure this loss will serve as a great learning experience for them.

"In No. 2 doubles, Alli and Michelle played an identical match as Melissa and Amy, with one exception, they came out as the winning team. We were down 2-6 and fought back to push the score to 8-7. Once Alli and Michelle got into the tie-breaker they dominated the match.

"I was extremely pleased with how they turned their play around. Once they started to move around and get into a flow, things fell into place for them. It didn't help their cause having to sit and wait for 2 1/2 hours to play. It was a good win for the girls."

Next action for the Bison girls tennis team is Thursday at the Lexington Invitational.

The tournament starts at 10 a.m.

Results from Holdrege

1 Singles Hanah Swanhorst lost to M. Strydom, 8-2

2 Singles Hannah Putz lost to B. Allmond, 8-6

1 Doubles Melissa Lyster/Amy Lester lost to R. Smith/E. Bergman, 9-8 (7-1)

2 Doubles Alli Lester/Michelle McKenna def. M. Cox/A. Nedrig, 9-8 (7-2)