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The North Branch tennis team was eliminated from section play at Centennial Friday, October 6 by a score of 7-0.

“Our singles lineup won only one game that day, but our doubles matches were all closely played,” North Branch head coach Tom McLaughlin said.   “Robyn Rodrigue and Mandy Johnson (at first doubles) lost 2-6, 4-6.  Kelsey O’Hern and Crystal Miller (at second doubles) lost 7-5, 5-7, 4-6.” 

In the individual portion of the Section Tournament, no Viking advanced beyond the second round.  “Danni Sonnenfeld won her first match easily, but lost in a hard fought match in the second round.  Sara Fletcher lost her first round match as our other singles entry,” said McLaughlin. 

“The doubles team of O’Hern and Miller lost its first round match against Stillwater’s top doubles team, though they played very well.  They won the first three games of the match and continued to play well throughout.   Robyn Rodrigue and Mandy Johnson won their first round match against a team from Irondale, but lost 3-6, 2-6 in their second round match against the eventual runnerup and state tourney bound team,” the coach added.    

Those were the last matches for seniors Sonnenfeld, O’Hern, Rodrigue and Jeni Farr. “We will be losing a great deal of skill, maturity and leadership with their graduation.  Thankfully, the girls coming back to the team next year are just as great of a group and I expect they will fill the void made by the graduation of our seniors,” the coach commented.

McLaughlin went on to say, “Danni and Kelsey have been on varsity since they were ninth graders and were our captains this year. Danni may be the most successful singles player we have ever had on our team and was a reliable point in almost every match.  Kelsey, Robyn and Jeni have been doubles specialists for us and will leave big holes in our doubles for next year.  Jeni moved into the singles line up a couple of times when we tried different lineups or when we had players out due to absence and played hard for us there when we needed her.”

Conference Awards

Sonnenfeld earned All-North Suburban Conference recognition for her performance this season. In fact, she was the top point scorer in the NSC.  Sara Fletcher and the doubles team of Rodrigue and Johnson were Honorable Mention.  “All four of our seniors should be academic all-conference, as well,” McLaughlin said.

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