Bemidji falls 4-3 to Annandale in 8AA semis, team season comes to an end

Oct. 13—SARTELL — The Bemidji High School girls tennis team displayed unwavering determination in their match against Annandale on Friday in Sartell. However, despite their efforts, the Lumberjacks fell just short of victory.

Going up against the top-seeded Cardinals in the Section 8AA South Subsection, BHS suffered a 4-3 loss. Although the Jacks swept their doubles matches, they were unable to secure a win in singles.

Maddie Jensen and Elena Peterson emerged as the winners in the No. 1 doubles, with a strong performance of 6-4, 6-0. Sam Wood and Kendal Midboe also triumphed with set scores of 6-3, 6-4 in the No. 2 doubles. Completing the sweep, Megan Berg and Ruby McKeon secured a 6-4, 6-1 victory at No. 3.

“Kendal and Sam showcased their skills in one of their best matches, ending Kendal’s exceptional varsity career with a win,” said head coach Kyle Fodness. “Megan and Ruby finished off a dominant season at third doubles. Elena and Maddie positioned themselves well for tomorrow (in the individual tournament) as they gained momentum throughout the match.”

Unfortunately, Bemidji’s singles matches did not fare as well. Liz Peterson, the No. 1 player, fell to a score of 6-1, 6-4, while Bailey Rupp at No. 2 suffered defeat with set scores of 6-4, 6-1. At the No. 3 spot, Lilly Caron lost 6-2, 6-3, and Ridley Karger was defeated 6-2, 6-0 at No. 4.

“At times, we held the lead in the singles lineup, and that group gained valuable experience. I can’t wait for mid-August to roll around next year,” Fodness added. “The scores don’t truly depict the closeness of some of those matches, as most games went to deuce.”

The Peterson sisters and Jensen will be advancing to the Section 8AA Individual Tournament Finals on Saturday in Sartell.

Annandale 4, Bemidji 3

Singles

No. 1: Gagnon (ANN) def. L. Peterson 6-1, 6-4

No. 2: Eckstrom (ANN) def. Rupp 6-4, 6-1

No. 3: Ressler (ANN) def. Caron 6-2, 6-3

No. 4: Rassier (ANN) def. Karger 6-2, 6-0

Doubles

No. 1: E. Peterson/Jensen (BHS) def. Fahey/Lampi 6-4, 6-0

No. 2: Midboe/Wood (BHS) def. Hinnenkamp/Wright 6-3, 6-4

No. 3: Berg/McKeon (BHS) def. Townshend/Fischer 6-4, 6-1