Traverse City Record-Eagle

Tennis

June 5, 2010

TC Christian makes tennis finals mark

Sabres had two points last year; score 7 this time

From Staff Reports ----

KALAMAZOO — Talk about improvement.

In its second straight trip to the state finals, Traverse City Christian took a big step up the leaderboard on Friday while competing in the Division 4 state finals at Kalamazoo College.

While the Sabres didn't advance anyone past the quarterfinals, they scored seven points and finished the first day in 12th place behind co-leaders Williamston and Grand Rapids South Christian.

"It exceeded all expectations," TC Christian coach Tim Sutherland said. "Last year we scored two points. To come up with seven, it was pretty amazing."

The Sabres reached the quarterfinals with Alisha Bultisma at No. 3 singles. She beat Emily Vandenberghe from Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 7-5, 6-4, but fell short to top-seeded Lauren Ramey from Kalamazoo Hackett in the quarters.

Also reaching the quarterfinals was the No. 3 doubles team of Karley Bullard and Christy Benson. They beat Almont's Olivia Papineau and Miranda Offner 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, but lost to No. 2 seed Aubree Barton and Leah Vargovich from Williamston.

In earlier rounds, TC Christian had a 6-1, 6-1 win from Abby Voorheis over Bridgman's Andrea Haldy at No. 4 singles.

The No. 1 doubles team of Katie VanVreede and Callie Kostrzewa beat Paw Paw's Anella Cooper/Laura Hill 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 while the team of Grace Banks and Nicole Shanoski beat Hemlock's Leslie Andrus/Genevieve Hoffman 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 in the second flight.

Harbor Springs also competed in the finals and scored three points.

Nicole Sheppard had a pair of wins at No. 1 singles, beating Portland's Elle Eldridge 7-6, 6-3 and Buchanan's Kristine Gordon 6-3, 6-4.

At No. 2 doubles, Shelby Flemming and Grace Carbeck beat Chesaning's Treasure Lawton/Lydia Chludil 6-4, 6-1.

Division 3

Petoskey, Cadillac win seven matches in D-3

Friday's results in the Division 3 state finals at Jenison were not completed, but Petoskey and Cadillac were still able to log seven wins between the two Big North Conference Schools.

Petoskey won four matches, including Kali Phillips at No. 1 singles, Erin Clutter at No. 4 singles, Madison Hooley/Jen Fettis at No. 3 doubles and Rachel Wittenberg/Kelly Siegrist at No. 4 doubles.

Cadillac took three matches, including Kat Hutchinson at No. 1 singles, Emily Rice/Janie Silvers at No. 1 doubles and Kassy VanAlst/Sean Potter at No. 2 doubles.

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