HIGHLAND | Three was the magic number for the Times No. 2 Trojans on Saturday.
Highland went 3-for-3 in the championship round to give the team its third-straight crown in the third annual Highland Doubles Invite.
Fittingly enough, the deciding point came from the No. 3 doubles team when Maredith Garcia and Nikki Goodeve defeated No. 5 Michigan City 7-5, 6-3.
"We played well across the board today," Highland coach Adam Baez. "Most of our girls played with different partners and played at different spots. They showed a lot of athleticism and flexibility today."
The Trojans slipped by the Wolves by the narrowest of margins, 17-16. Valparaiso came in third with 13 points and three teams tied for fourth with six points apiece.
"We were happy to have all four of our doubles teams in the finals," Michigan City coach Norm Bruemmer said. "We just couldn't get one of those finals to go our way. Highland and Valparaiso are both state-ranked for a reason."
The Trojans are ranked No. 11 in the latest state poll, and Valparaiso is No. 30.
Vikings coach Tim Shideler was happy for the opportunity to see so many area teams in one place.
"It's a different lineup for most of our kids," Shideler said. "Our No. 1 doubles team is in the right sport, but most of the others are mixed. It's good for the girls to play in a different format."
Players agreed that the format was a good break from the everyday.
"I like playing doubles with different partners," said Highland's Liz Quinn, the winner at No.1 doubles. "Today I played partners with Aby (Madrigal) for the first time ever, and it was a great experience."
"It's fun to watch some of your teammates in different scenarios," said Valpo's Sonya Schaffer, who won at No. 4 doubles. "It gives you a different perspective on the doubles game, and on how your teammates play it. I really liked the way we mixed it up today."
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