Published: May 22, 2009 08:24 am      

Goshen girls advance in tennis sectional

Goshen High School’s tennis ladies displayed some sizzling play on a warm late Thursday afternoon at the Goshen Middle School courts. The Lady Redskins extended their season by defeating the Bethany Christian Bruins, 4-1, in a sectional opener. Semifinals are at 9 a.m. Saturday with Goshen (9-8) meeting Jimtown and Fairfield going against NorthWood. Winners return at 1 p.m. to clash for the championship. Goshen scored a singles sweep with sophomore Anika Baumgartner at No. 1, senior Ellie Berry at No. 2 and junior Mackenzie Rozelle at No. 3. Baumgartner was a 7-5, 6-4 winner over Bethany sophomore Mandy Schlabach. Berry trimmed Bruins sophomore Marla zumFelde 6-3, 6-3. Rozelle defeated BC freshman Emma Caskey 6-1, 6-1. Senior Haley Linn and sophomore Lauren Lehman of GHS captured No. 2 doubles over Bethany junior Jama Yoder and freshman Maria Thomas. Bethany’s team point came at No. 1 doubles with junior Corine Alvarez and sophomore Emily Shenk topping Redskin seniors Melissa Hostetler and Brittany Padgett 6-4, 6-1. Goshen coach Scott Miller said, “I was nervous before the match because I knew Bethany would be fired up to play us. “We edged them 3-2 during the regular season, both both lineups are different and none of the matchups were the same. “I was glad to see us get off to quick starts in most of the matches, especially Mackenzie Rozelle at No. 3 singles. “Ellie Berry is tough on herself, but she battled through at No. 2 singles. Anika Baumgartner stayed in there and battled tough against a good player in Mandy Schlabach. “Even though the team outcome had been decided, I was happy to see Linn and Lehman win at No. 2 doubles because they have had a lot of tough losses this season. “It was very hot out here for practice Wednesday and I was afraid that, along with the girls going through final exams, might take its toll on them. ‘But, they showed a lot of energy during their matches and kept the ball in play. “We lost to Jimtown 3-2 during the regular season but, again, that was with different lineups than either team is using now.”