HIGHLAND | While Munster (19-1) got one step closer to its 27th regional title, Whiting (11-2) got to new and unfamiliar territory.
The Times No. 1 Mustangs defeated Crown Point 5-0 to advance to the regional finals. They will take on the Oilers, who beat Hobart 4-1.
“It’s a great day for our tennis program,” Whiting coach Art Young said. “Being sectional champs was a great first step. Now to get to play a top 10 team in the state in the regional finals is a statement for our program.”
Senior Danielle Weems garnered the first point for the Oilers when she won her No. 2 singles match 6-3, 6-0.
“This is really exciting for our program,” Weems said. “All of the seniors are excited to be able to keep playing. We have worked very hard this year. It’s very satisfying when all of the work pays off.”
Jazmyne Henderson (No. 1 singles) brought home the winning point with a 6-2, 6-4 win against Hobart’s Sabrina Milsap.
Munster got off to a quick start behind the play of No. 2 doubles team Erica Tritsch and Mariana Rogers, who beat the Bulldogs 6-0, 6-1.
“We were playing together very well today,” Tritsch said. “We were communicating with each other, and knew where the other would be. That makes it easy when we are able to click like that.”
Rogers said that the team was pumped about the chance to get back to the regional finals.
“We are very stoked to get a regional title again,” Rogers said. “We want to win tomorrow and get back to semistate.”
Munster coach Bill Heuer was pleased with the effort the girls put out.
“It’s not easy to beat a team twice, especially a good team like Crown Point,” Heuer said, “but No. 2 doubles set the tone quickly, and both No. 1 and No. 2 singles followed up with very solid play.”
On Wednesday, Munster will try to win its 27th regional title. That is the most by any girl’s team in the state, according to the IHSAA website.
In individual play, Abbey Hamstra (Kankakee Valley) defeated Ashley Pabey (E.C. Central) 6-1, 6-2. Vani Madrigal-Aby Madrigal (Highland) defeated Ella Robinson-Karla Gallegos (Morton) 6-0, 6-0. Chloe White-Jessica Sharkey (Lowell) defeated Katelyn Lipa-Jackeline Fernandez (E.C. Central) 6-1, 6-1.
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