Staples Motley’s outstanding tennis player, Jordan Peterson, took the hard way and finished fifth at the Class A tennis tourna- ment June 10 and 11 in Minneapolis.

Senior Jordan Peterson slammed home a serve in one of his wins in the sub section play prior to the state tournament. Peterson completed the year with only one loss, that one to the state champ. (Photo for the World by LeRoy Peterson) Jordan lost in his first round match in the state singles tournament at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center on Thursday morning, losing 6-3, 6-4 to John Hill of St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Hill, top rated in the state Class A rankings, went on to win the state singles title on Friday.

The Cardinal senior battled back playing again on Thursday at noon in the consolation round, Pe- terson defeated Joey Kronzer of Duluth Marshall 6-0, 6-4 to advance to the consolation semi-finals. IHe next met George Humphrey of Blake and defeated him 6-4, 6-3 in the consolation semifinals that was played at 8 a.m. Friday

That win set the stage for the consolation finals, which found Peterson defeating ninth-ranked Mitch Elofson of St. Peter 7-5, 6-1, for the consolation title.

Peterson finished the season 32-1, having won every match he played this year prior to losing to Hill in the first round at state. He won most of his victories in two sets and was rarely, if ever, behind to his opponent.

Last season he won his first-round match at state but was eliminated after losing his second match.