Oct. 17 will continue the tradition for the girls tennis team at state. Coach Chris Bellar coached the team to a State Championship title in 2012, and in 2013, they brought home a third place finish. In order to qualify for state, the girls must place in the top 6 at regionals.

Preparations for this year have been paying off. Seniors Brittany Pauly, Julie Ann Winter, Kiana Finstad, Cece Robinson, sophomore Kalie Jones and freshman Sabrina Bellar went to Regionals Oct. 10. Pauly and Winter finished in fourth place in doubles and are going to compete at Dodge City for state.

“We’ve stayed focused and keep practicing hard. Staying together as a team has helped,” Finstad said.

Winter said she had mutual feelings about staying together as a team and working hard at practice. The tennis team has been preparing for state longer than just after regionals.

“We’re confident with the work that’s been shown this year, this summer and even outside of practices,” Coach Justin Regehr said.

Seniors and coaches said they have confidence in their abilities. The doubles team expects to do well and beat the more challenging opponents, while also improving themselves and doing well as a team.

“There will be tough teams there, and I’m hoping to get far by beating the top teams,” Winter said.

The doubles team understands that competition will be tough. It’s a recurring statement that they know to keep practicing hard and be confident to compete.  

“It was tough at Regionals but we’re confident to compete. We’ll enjoy seeing how our best tennis stacks up against others,” Coach Regehr said.