MUNSTER | Lake Central coach Brian Szalonek was realistic about the situation.
"We played well today and advanced to the sectional finals for the fourth year in a row," Szalonek said. "But they have won, what, 34 in a row?"
Szalonek was referring to Times No. 1 Munster's consecutive sectional win streak. The Mustangs have won 35 total sectional titles, 34 of them in a row.
For the fourth consecutive year, the two teams will square off for the sectional crown.
The Mustangs (12-1) whitewashed Morton 5-0 while Lake Central (8-9) defeated Gavit by the same score to advance to Thursday's final round.
"We took care of business today, which was our goal." said Munster coach Bill Heuer. "We wanted to make sure we came out and played the way we are capable of playing, which is what we did."
Munster's Danielle Koultourides won her first varsity match at No. 3 singles when she defeated Morton's Emily Pearson 6-2, 6-0.
"Third time is a charm, I guess," Koultourides said after her first win against two losses this year. "I was very excited for the opportunity to help my team out."
Koultourides had spent most of the year at the No. 1 singles spot on the JV squad. She moved up to replace Christian Tavitas, who has been nursing a minor shoulder ailment.
The Indians defeated Gavit (0-11) in straight sets across the board.
Gladiator coach Sharon Meier was optimistic about her team's future.
"We played six sophomores today," Meier said. "The experience these girls got this year will pay big dividends next season."
Morton (7-8) also played a young team. Six of the seven varsity players will return next season.
"A lot of these girls never played tennis before this year," Governor coach Deb Lueken said. "They will only get better with more experience."
The winner of the Munster sectional on Thursday will advance to the Highland Regional on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
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