In a thrilling match-up between the Chelsea and Ann Arbor Huron girls’ tennis teams, the Bulldogs narrowly escaped with a 5-3 victory over the River Rats. The match was a nail-biter from start to finish, with four of the eight flights going to third-set tiebreakers and another close two-set match that could have gone either way.
Huron, despite not being state-ranked, put up a tough fight against the fourth-ranked Bulldogs. The River Rats managed to secure wins at one and four singles, but Chelsea’s doubles team of Sage Gabriel-Menegay and Brooklyn Angel dominated with a 6-0, 6-1 victory to give Huron a 2-1 lead.
The remaining five flights were intense battles, with Meghan Bareis and Haley Hopkins clinching a crucial win at one doubles to tie the match at 2-2. The Taylor sisters, Lucy and Brenna, fought back from a first-set loss to win a third-set tiebreaker at two doubles, while Samantha Bieber and Josie Jackson also secured hard-fought victories in their respective matches.
Despite a tough loss at three doubles, Chelsea bounced back in their second match of the day, cruising to an 8-0 win over Brownstown-Woodhaven. The Bulldogs’ dominant performance showcased their depth and determination as they continue to excel in the competitive world of high school tennis.
With the SEC White title within reach, the Chelsea girls’ modified team, comprised mostly of underclassmen, is also making waves in the league. Their recent wins over Adrian and Tecumseh have put them in a prime position to clinch the title with a victory over Pinckney this week. Nora Garbarkiewicz’s epic three-set tiebreaking win exemplifies the team’s resilience and talent as they aim for more success in the season ahead.