Bison tennis girls build new win streaks at N.P.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — McCook High’s tennis girls started new win streaks before they left North Platte with a top four finish among 10 teams competing on Saturday.

No. 1 singles Joslyn Hammond unleashed four big wins over Class B foes following an opening defeat to Class A Grand Island.

Senior Carley Peters and junior Carsyn Craig delivered the same feat while going 4-1 at No. 1 doubles.

In other words, the Bison didn’t stay down long after running into surprising G.I.

“We were into pool play against a much improved Grand Island team. They unfortunately swept each division therefore knocking us out off contention for a shot at Kearney,” Bison coach Matt Wiemers observed. “But the girls rebounded well from their first match losses and competed very well.”

Junior Jaci Meyers battled to three tourney wins at No. 2 singles as did the young Bison No. 1 doubles team of freshman Izzy Clause and junior Abbie Johnson.

Johnson/Clause nearly swamped the Islanders but fell short 9-8 (7-5).

“We definitely have some things to work on to help us get to where we want to,” Wiemers said. “Serving was a struggle for us as we missed quite a few first serves. And we committed too many unforced errors. It’s early and those areas are things that we will improve upon.”

Junior Jaci Meyers battled to three wins at No. 2 singles with two being 8-2 decisions.

Peters/Craig were 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 and 8-3 winners to place fourth overall.

Hammond took fourth at No. 1 singles.

“I commend the girls for keeping their composure and keeping a strong mental game,” the coach concluded. “A light week will allow us valuable practice time to focus on fundamentals and introduce some things that will help us get to where we need to.”

McCook plays next at home in a Monday dual with the Gothenburg Swedes. First matches are set for 4 p.m.

Top 10 teams of 12 at the North Platte Invitational on Saturday: 1. Kearney 63, 2. Grand Island 55, 3. Lexington 46, 4. McCook 43, 5. Ogallala 33, 6. North Platte 29, 7. Holdrege 26, 7. Scottsbluff 26, 9. Hershey 22, 10. Hastings 21.

No. 1 singles: Joslyn Hammond went 4-1 with wins over Hastings (8-2), Alliance (8-1), Holdrege (8-5) and Scottsbluff (8-4) with one loss to Grand Island (8-5).

No. 2 singles: Jaci Meyers went 3-2 with wins overAlliance (8-2), Gering (8-2) and Scottsbluff (8-4). She lost to Grand Island (8-4) and Hastings (8-0).

No. 1 doubles: Abbie Johnson/Izzy Clause went 3-2 with wins over Hastings (8-1), Alliance (8-3) and Hastings (8-2). They lost to Grand Island 9-8 (7-5) and 8-6.

No. 2 doubles: Carley Peters/Carsyn Craig went 4-1 with wins over Hastings (8-3), Alliance (8-1), Scottsbluff (8-3) and Lexington (8-2) while losing only to Grand Island (8-1).