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McCook Bison girls tennis squad place 2nd in GNAC Tournament
KEARNEY -- The McCook Bison girls tennis team placed second at the GNAC Tournament Friday in Kearney.
Kearney won the tournament with 38 points, followed by McCook 30, North Platte 22, Hastings 18, Norfolk 17, Lexington 16, Scottsbluff 16 and Columbus 11.
"The girls had an awesome day both as a team and individually," said McCook tennis coach Matt Wiemers. "The team earned a runner up finish to Kearney.
"Melissa Lyster and Amy Lester took top honors in No. 1 doubles, Hannah Putz was the second place medalist in No. 2 singles and Alli Lester and Cody Korus were second-place medalists at No. 2 doubles.
"This was the second year in row the team finished behind Kearney as conference tournament runnerup."
GNAC team standings
Kearney 38 points
McCook 30
North Platte 22
Hastings 18
Norfolk 17
Lexington 16
Scottsbluff 16
Columbus 11
No. 1 Singles-Brianna Watkins
4-3 (10-9)
def. S. White, Lexington, 8-3
def. A. Meyers, Columbus, 8-2
lost to Olenich, Norfolk, 8-5
lost to K. Jerde, Kearney, 8-2
def. C. LaChance, Hastings, 8-2
def. A. Henkel, Scottsbluff, 8-1
lost to C. Marshall, North Platte, 8-1
"Brianna picked up four good wins and most importantly improved her season record to 10-9," Wiemers said.
"Brianna has really gained a lot of confidence in herself over the past week and it has improved her game so much.
"She had two great tournaments this week against some tough opposition, which will help prepare her for the state tournament.
"I hope Brianna can get a good first-round draw. She can really help the team out by advancing to the third round on Thursday.
No. 2 Singles-Hannah Putz
5-2 (32-5), 2nd place medalist
def. T. Maloley, Lexington, 8-1
def. E. Rambour, Columbus, 8-2
def. K. Caddell, Norfolk, 8-3
lost to L. Limbach, Kearney, 8-4
def. P. Landell, Hastings, 8-1
def. B. Brown, Scottsbluff, 8-2
lost to M. Goodwin, North Platte, 8-3
"Hannah picked up a key win against Lexington to avenge an earlier loss this season," Wiemers said. "She has improved her overall season record to 32-5 and should earn her a top 3 or 4 seed.
"She earned some crucial wins this week against York and Beatrice and has two wins against Scottsbluff as well.
"Hannah has played very consistently all season and if she can get a favorable draw at state, has the potential to make it to the finals on Friday.
No. 1 Doubles-
Melissa Lyster-Amy Lester
6-1 (25-8), 1st place medalists
def. Ondrak-Tuepker, Lexington, 8-3
def. Mahoney-Haas, Columbus, 8-0
def. Rucker-Cleveland, Norfolk, 8-2
def. Nordhues-Wilson, Kearney, 8-5
def. Ablott-Portwood, Hastings, 8-4
lost to Reinhardt-Zitterkopf, Scottsbluff, 8-5
def. Benes-Carl, North Platte, 8-6
"Amy and Melissa had a great tournament on Friday and picked some key wins against Kearney, North Platte and Lexington," Wiemers said. "They improved to 25-8 for the season and I feel will earn a seed at the tournament.
"There are a lot of good doubles teams, but they have established a credible season record.
"They also have a great chance to advance to the finals on Friday with a good draw.
"Plus, they have played well the month of May going 10-3 during the stretch.
No. 2 Doubles-Alli Lester-Cody Korus
5-2 (9-3), 2nd place medalists
def. Schmidt-Monter, Lexington, 8-4
def. Brutty-Cepel, Columbus, 8-4
def. Frohberg-Garden, Norfolk, 8-6
lost to Holloway-Green, Kearney, 8-6
lost to Koopman-Powers, Hastings, 8-5
def. Hopp-Steele, Scottsbluff, 9-7
def. Allberry-Edwards, North Platte, 8-2
"Alli and Cody had a solid tournament picking up big wins against Lexington and Norfolk," Wiemers said.
"They have a 9-3 season record and maybe considered for a seed, but it is not likely.
"However things play out, they should be able to advance to the second or even third round with a good draw.
"Practice this week will be important for them to continue to work out things on the court together."