The Dike-New Hartford girls tennis team used strong performances across the board to win the North Iowa Cedar League Girls Tennis Team Championship Monday at Byrnes Park.
In a marathon of a tournament that lasted 13 hours and featured full round robins in all nine positions, the Wolverines had 57.5 points, ahead of host Columbus Catholic’s 52.5. Head Coach Reegan Zinkula says it’s a conference title a long time in the making.
“Ever since I’ve been coaching here, it’s been six years coming, that obviously a conference champion is your goal,” Zinkula says. “There’s a lot of great programs in our conference, so every time that you show up to a conference tournament, you never know how it’s going to turn out. But each and every one of our girls showed up and competed every single game. We played a total of 108 games. We’ve been here for like 13 hours, and they never gave up. It’s been fun to just see them go out there and compete every single point. They deserve it all. They put in all the hard work and effort today.”
The Wolverines had first place finishes by Aida Tott at #2 singles, Addy Joslin at #3 singles, Lauren Muller at #4 singles, and Joslin/Muller at #2 doubles. Tott accomplished her first conference title in her senior year.
“Of all four years, this is the first time it’s happened, and I’ve played four different positions at conference,” Tott says. “So I really just love playing everyone, and I’m friends with most of the girls. So it’s fun to talk to them. It’s fun to meet new ones. Like I just love playing with people. My match against AP, I actually had lost to her in season. So beating her today, it was a goal of mine. And I was really glad that I was able to accomplish that, especially after going back to back when it was really hot. Honestly, I’m just glad the heat didn’t affect me too much with how hot it was. It was really good and I love playing doubles, but singles wise, I’m glad singles went well.”
Aplington-Parkersburg had runner-up finishes by Peyton Klooster at #2 singles, Megan Bruns at #3 singles, Adria Neymeyer/Klooster at #1 doubles and Bella Buseman/Bruns at #2 doubles. Assistant coach Joe Neymeyer.
“The competition was very strong today,” Neymeyer says. “Long day, grueling. Started at nine, ended here at 10, but the girls never quit, never gave up. I’m really proud of them for fighting. Just overall, just proud of what they showed today. They’re competitive with the top schools and the conference in the state. At some points, some just didn’t go their way. But we’ll learn from this, get better, and then we’ll take it into the postseason.”
South Hardin placed fourth and Grundy Center was seventh.
Aida Tott:
Joe Neymeyer:
Reegan Zinkula:
