Despite the dismal weather, tennis teams display promise and focus

The Ellsworth and River Falls high school tennis teams faced tough competition last week, with both teams coming up short in their matches.

Ellsworth played a single meet against Lake City, ultimately losing 7-0 to the Tigers. Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Panthers. Sophomore Adan Benitez Mendez continued his strong rookie campaign, pushing his opponent to a third-set tiebreaker. Head Coach Beth Friedrichsen noted that the team showed growth and resilience throughout the matches.

On the other hand, the River Falls Wildcats faced tough opponents in Eau Claire Memorial and Menomonie, also losing both matches 7-0. Despite the losses, singles players like Sam Majerus and doubles teams like Nolan Tody and Carson Stacy showed strong performances.

Both teams had their schedules disrupted by weather, with matches being postponed and cancelled. However, they are looking ahead to a busy week of tennis. Ellsworth will face Amery High School, Baldwin-Woodville, and Regis in a three-meet slate, while River Falls will travel to New Richmond and compete in a tournament in La Crosse.

Despite the setbacks, both teams are focused on learning and improving as they navigate the challenges of the season. With a mix of experienced players and new recruits, they are working on building team culture and striving for success on the court. Stay tuned for more updates on their upcoming matches and progress throughout the season.