McCook girls dominate top foes to win GNAC

Champions can clearly be seen as the McCook High tennis girls all had hands in winning their second straight GNAC championship on Saturday.

Courtesy Photo

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — McCook’s tennis girls won seven of eight against the top two GNAC contenders and left no doubt again about who earned a league title Saturday afternoon.

Host North Platte seemed within title reach until all hands were slapped away with four straight stinging defeats.

Columbus discovered a title path until it was blocked completely by three more strong McCook victories.

“Taking three out of four against Columbus was huge,” coach Matt Wiemers confirmed. “Then sweeping all four matches against North Platte sealed the title for us.”

“The girls stepped up today (Saturday) and had lot of success on the courts,” he added.

Success being a perfect 15-0 record from four players.

Seniors Kassidy Michaelis (36-0 season record) and Syd Stewart (31-5) went 10-0 through the singles division.

No. 1 Michaelis’ solid serving led to three 8-0 sweeps, a “quality” 8-2 win over Gering and crucial 8-3 conquest of Columbus’ top player.

Stewart steamrolled through Hastings and Scottsbluff without losing a game.

She conquered a stronger Gering Bulldog challenge, 8-4; and also won 8-3 vs. Columbus.

“Sydney was consistent and played smart tennis, using the whole court,” Wiemers explained.

McCook dominated No. 1 doubles with senior Riley Hansen and junior Kori Uerling teaming for the 5-0 championship sweep.

They’re now a super 33-3 this season thanks to two 8-2 victories (Hastings, North Platte), two by 8-4 (Columbus, Gering).

Their closest challenge was still an 8-5 decision over Scottsbluff.

“They did well in eliminating unforced errors and being aggressive at the net,” Wiemers remarked about his No. 1 combo.

Senior Delaney Jumps and sophomore Megan Hodgson finished the championship effort with a strong 4-1 second place at No. 2 doubles.

They showed great tenacity to score tough wins over North Platte 9-7 and Scottsbluff 9-8 (7-2 tiebreaker).

Hodgson/Jumps also bounced Hastings 8-0 and Gering 8-1.

The Discoverers did earn an 8-2 win to take home their only GNAC title.

Jumps/Hodgson are now 26-6 this season.

“They struggled with some unforced efforts, but came through when they needed to,” Wiemers concluded.

The Bison totaled 29 points to outscore Columbus (21), North Platte (18), Gering (12), Scottsbluff (9) and Hastings (1). McCook will play its home finales on Thursday.