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[McCook Daily Gazette]
McCook, Nebraska ~ Monday, May 12, 2008
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McCook Bison JV girls tennis team captures Kearney Tournament title

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
KEARNEY -- The McCook High School junior varsity tennis team captured first place at Monday's Kearney JV Invitational.

The Bison scored 56 points to edge out second-place Holdrege by four points.

North Platte was third with 38 points, followed by Kearney Gold 34, Hastings 33, Kearney Catholic 27, Lexington 27, Kearney Blue 23, Team X (Lexington/McCook) 22 and Kearney Cats 18.

McCook claimed first place at No. 1 singles with Jessica Jakovits, No. 2 singles with Kelsey O'Dea and No. 1 doubles with Audrie Krepcik and Renetta Rawlings. All posted 5-0 records.

The Bison added second-place finishes at No. 2 singles with Laura Brooks and the No. 2 doubles team of Bailey Lauer and Danielle Barenberg. Both posted 4-1 records.

The No. 2 doubles team of Amy Jo Stone and Stacy Howell did not place but posted a 3-2 record.

The McCook varsity girls tennis team competes at 2 p.m. central time/1 p.m. mountain time Thursday at Ogallala.

The Nebraska Class B state tournament is May 15-16 at the Nebraska Tennis Center in Lincoln.

Team Standings

1 McCook 56 points

2 Holdrege 52

3 North Platte 38

4 Kearney Gold 34

5 Hastings 33

6 Kearney Catholic 27

7 Lexington 27

8 Kearney Blue 23

9 Team X (McCook/Lexington) 22

10 Kearney Cats 18

No. 1 Singles-Jessica Jankovits, 5-0, 1st Place

Def. M. Stuart, Kearney Catholic, 8-6

Def. S. Zach, Hastings, 8-5

Def. L. Longmore, Kearney-Blue, 8-1

Def. J. Bliven, Lexington, 8-4

Def. E. Reiners, Holdrege, 8-6

"Jessica played very consistently the whole tournament and came away with a first-place finish," said McCook tennis coach Matt Wiemers. "She had some tough matches that were close, but she was able to find a way to finish each match to get the win. Her serving was effective, but she played aggressively and that helped a lot.

"Jessica has had a great season this year and I look forward to working with her this summer and seeing what happens next spring. She will definitely be pushing for a varsity spot on next years team if she continues to work on her game throughout the summer and fall."

No. 1 Doubles-Audrie Krepcik/

Renetta Rawlings, 5-0, 1st Place

Def. Glenn/Bailey, Hastings, 8-6

Def. Dones/Longly, Lexington, 8-1

Def. Campa/Mathews, Kearney-Blues, 8-6

Def. Sharpe/Mannlein, Kearney Catholic, 8-3

Def. Wells/Damrow, Holdrege, 8-3

"Audrie and Renetta played awesome in the championship match," Wiemers said. "They compliment one another well and put themselves into the right positions to score points.

"They played some close matches throughout the tournament, but really elevated their play in the final two rounds.

"This was Renetta's last year and we will miss her next season. But Audrie will be back and I see good things for her next season if she will continue to play this summer.

"She is a great doubles player and we will graduate three doubles players from this year's varsity squad.

"I really like her aggressive play and she is getting better at anticipating her opponents' hits. She could be a contributor to our success next year."

No. 2 Singles-Kelsey O'Dea, 5-0, 1st Place

Def. H. Hussmann, Kearney Catholic, 8-4

Def. B. Schmidt, Hastings, 8-0

Def. A. Macke, Holdrege, 8-5

Def. C. Bricker, Kearney-Cats, 8-1

Def. L. Brooks, Team X, 8-6

"Kelsey had a spectacular tournament and hit her ground strokes consistently," Wiemers said. "She is a tough kid and is plays a really smart game of tennis.

"She is a great competitor and finds ways to be successful on the court. I am so pleased to see her do well, work hard, and be rewarded for her effort.

"Her confidence has gotten better this season and I like her aggressive attacking style she plays with. Plus, Kelsey seldom gets down on herself and that is huge in the game of tennis.

"I look forward to working with her this summer and prepping her for next spring. She will continue to be a contributor to our team's success next year if she continues to put the time in this summer."

No. 2 Singles-Laura Brooks, 4-1, 2nd Place

Def. C. Thomas, Kearney-Blue, 8-2

Def. S. Culey, Kearney-Gold, 8-2

Def. E. Monter, Lexington, 9-7

Def. J. Schneider, North Platte, 8-0

Lost to K. O'Dea, McCook, 8-6

"Laura played very well and came away with a second-place finish," Wiemers said. "She did a great job of attacking the net and putting pressure on her opponents.

"She struggled with her serving a little, but made up for it by getting herself into position to control her ground strokes.

"Laura just needs to get stronger and that will come with time as she is only a freshman. I look forward to having Laura on the team the next three years and watching her develop.

"If she will continue to put in the time and work at her game, she will has great potential.

No. 2 Doubles-Bailey Lauer/

Danielle Barenberg, 4-1, 2nd Place

Def. Armstrong/Schroder, North Platte, 8-1

Def. Stone/Howell, McCook, 8-3

Def. McKeone/Cans, Lexington, 8-6

Def. Benevider/Massoz, Kearney-Cats, 8-4

Lost to Roper/Malm, Holdrege, 8-4

"Bailey and Danielle played some great tennis and finished with a 4-1 record," Wiemers said. "They have played well together this season and I look to continue to play them together next year.

"They both just need more court experience and knowledge on how to position themselves on the court. They are going to develop into a great doubles team if they both continue to work at it and play a lot this summer.

No. 2 Doubles-Amy Jo Stone/

Stacy Howell, 3-2

Lost to McKeone/Cans, Lexington, 8-5

Def. Benevider/Massoz, Kearney-Cats, 8-3

Lost to Lauer/Barenberg, McCook, 8-4

Def. Armstrong/Schroder, North Platte, 8-5

Def. Albright/Green, Kearney-Gold, 8-6

"Amy Jo and Stacy had a good tournament and came away with three wins on the day," Wiemers said. "They have played well together this season and I have seen steady improvement in them as the season has go on.

"Stacy will graduate this year and I appreciate her hard work over the course of her career.

"Amy Jo will be back next year and I look forward to working with her this summer. She has progressed well this season and with more time and practice should continue to get better."



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