SHS claims outright title
CALEDONIA — Shelby secured an undisputed Mid Ohio Athletic Conference girls tennis championship Saturday by beating River Valley 4-1.
The Lady Whippets, who shared the title a year ago with Marion Harding, improved to 11-0 in the conference and 17-3 overall.
SHS seeks an unblemished MOAC ledger today when they welcome back Clear Fork to finish a match which was suspended last week by rainy weather.
Shelby swept all three singles matches.
Grace Mahek held off the Vikings’ Sophie Thompson in No. 1 play 6-2, 6-7, 10-4. Sadie Smith prevailed at second singles against RV’S Olivia Kaufman 6-2, 6-2. Anna Vogt blitzed Saige Sheets 6-0, 6-0 in third singles.
“The match at No. 1 between Grace and Sophie was spectacular. Grace did a great job of finishing. Sadie also fought back a tough challenge at second singles. Anna was overpowering,” said coach Jeff Kurtzman.
The Whippets No. 1 doubles tandem of Raegan Gurney and Madison Sharrock overcame a slow start and downed Ashiah Harris and Courtney Cookson 6-4, 6-0. The SHS second doubles duo of Olivia Fordyce and Mollie Eith fell to River Valley’s Kate Richards and Kenzie Spitzer 6-0, 2-6, 6-4.
“Raegan and Maddie started slow, but sure finishing strong. Mollie and Olivia were not at the top of their game, but continued to battle,” said Kurtzman.
There were no junior varsity matches contested. Thursday and Saturday the Whippet courts will be the site of a Division II Sectional. Schools joining the host school are Bucyrus, Clear Fork, Edison, Galion, Lexington, Ontario, Tiffin Calvert, Upper Sandusky and Willard.