The Cardinal girls tennis team made more necessary adjustments in their line up, schedule and travel plans to skirt the weather in order to arrange match play in an unusually mellow week.

Only ten varsity players drove t h rough the rain to the Foley fieldhouse on Oct. 1 and d owned the Falcons in a tight 6-1 victory.

Due to injury, illness and other circumstances, the Cards were forced to play a strong Foley team without four of their top players in a key match that could have a significant impact on section seeding.

"This match in many ways revealed the character of each and every player and our direction as a team."

"Some of our players stayed home due to match count limits and/or injuries. They trusted their younger teammates to step up and get the job done. Those who were sidelined showed great character, while those who stepped up did the same."

The Cards got off to a rocky start on the Foley court surface that proved to be extremely fast.

Skye Coughlin set the pace at one singles executing every shot in the book only dropping one set. Abby Edin recovered from a slow first set to take the second with old fashioned Abby-Ball.

Abby Edin (Photo by Don Sanda) The younger side of the line up struggled with the surface, but then came through with impressive play. Annie Kautto shook off a 2-6 first set at four singles, but then kept things simple by keeping the ball in play while using extra footwork and getting lower to the ball.

The ninth grade third doubles duo of Maggie O'Keefe and Brooke Wolhowe were on a similar path as their sister- Annie, winning the second set and third set tie break in a close marathon. "The way these rookies battled and finished was a great statement as we are about to start the do or done time of Rocktober for a portion of what makes up this team.

"I think that their youthful vibration and passion is inspiring the rest of the team."

Kelly Hagenson and Hallie Olsen moved from baseline to net finishing points with great authority and precision. "Even though they struggled in the second set in a great match, it was clear that they were playing with great vision and were clearly in control."

Grace Wolhowe, home JV action, Sept. 29. (Photo by Don Sanda) Savanna Hill and Annie Gillespie moved from three doubles to one in position and style of play, but struggled finishing points that started with outstanding serves from all four players on both sides of the net.

"Even though Savanna and Annie lost heir match, they contributed to the statement we are making in how we play. They play with great focus and good vibration. It's a ton of fun to just be around their match."

SM 6 Foley 1

1.Abby Edin d. Hanna Kantor 6-4, 6-1

2. Skye Coughlin d. Alexa Herbst 6-1, 6-0

3. Mikayla Wing d. Nicole Gapinski 6-4, 6-3

4. Annie Kautto d. Alyssa Gapinsi 2-6, 6-4, (13-11)

Doubles:

1. Savanna Hill/Annie Gillespie L. Emma Denning/Alicia Kantor 4-6, 1-6

2. Kelly Hagenson/Hallie Olsen d. Tori Pappenfus/Jenny Marquette 6-4, 5-7, (10-1)

3. Brooke Wolhowe/Maggie O'Keefe d. Alex Demarais/Chelsea Studenski 3-6, 6-4, (10-8)

Annie Gillispie (Photo by Don Sanda)