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Chisago Lakes 5

North Branch 2

No matter what the record, the weather, or the girls involved, whenever Chisago Lakes and North Branch meet, it’s a battle.

Last Thursday, one of the battles took place on the tennis court where the Wildcats used a balanced attack to silence the Vikings, defeating them 5-2.

The play was as competitive as ever. At number one singles, Danielle Sonnenfeld (NB) and Sammi Schares (CL) paired up for the match of the day, going into the third set before Sonnenfeld was able to wrap up a 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 win. As for the rest of singles play, Rachel Nelson, Emily Caneday and Katie Langenfeld picked the Wildcats back up. All three registered straight sets wins.

“Sammi played well (at number one singles). I would say it was one of her smarter matches she has played all year. She slowed the pace down when she needed to which is something I haven’t seen from her yet this season,” said Steve Otte, Chisago Lakes head girls tennis coach. “Rachel played a game of ball placement. She did a very good job of moving her opponent around the court and then moving to the net and end points. Emily has been playing well for us all year, and Katie played a consistent game of tennis that helped her.”

With Chisago taking three of the four points in singles action, they only needed one win at doubles to secure the win. Instead they got two. Kara Orwoll and Alyssa Lundberg sneaked past the Vikings team of Amber Heilig and Sara Fletcher at number two doubles, and Kate Boynton and Caitlin Ryan won their match at number three doubles. The Vikings lone win at doubles came at number one where Kelsey O’Hern and Chantell Sampson won in straight sets.

“All of the doubles were at the net and closing in,” remarked Kristin Unverzagt, North Branch head girls tennis coach. “We are improving with every match and the girls are doing exactly what they need to do to get the job done. Overall, there were a lot of close matches. Fourth singles did a great job of coming back and being aggressive in the second set. Second doubles came back to lose a close second set as well. It was a great match with a lot of deuce games.”

Chisago Lakes 5

North Branch 2

Singles-

Sonnenfeld (NB) def. Schares

5-7, 6-4, 6-4

Nelson (CL) def. Scribner

6-1, 6-2

Caneday (CL) def. Johnston

6-1, 6-2

Langenfeld (CL) def. Lindberg

6-2, 7-5

Doubles-

O’Hern/Sampson (NB) def.

Dennison/Meyer 6-2, 6-4

Orwoll/Lundberg (CL)

def. Fletcher/Heilig 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

Boynton/Ryan (CL) def.

Rollins/Scribner 6-3, 6-1

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