Lady Trojans grab second at Sterling invitational
The Hillsboro girls' tennis team opened the year Thursday with a good start, snagging a second place finish at the Sterling Invitational.
With much of the experience gone from last season's team, coach Lynn Wiebe also was missing her top player, Amanda Faber, who was out with an illness.
Prior to the opener, the team was unaware of where they'd be playing. The Trojans mustered a two-way tie for the top spot with the hosting Lady Black Bears claiming the tournament. No Trojan team finished lower than third.
"Everyone was a bit nervous since all were in new positions and the singles didn't know they were being moved up until just before the meet," Wiebe said. "They played with great attitudes and great determination."
With Faber out, Amber Loewen stepped in at No. 1 in the singles and took third. Maria Loewen was originally slated to compete in Thursday's JV meet at Hesston. Instead, she stepped into the second spot in singles and finished runner-up to Greensburg.
"I was very pleased with both of these girls," said Wiebe. "They stepped up to the occasion and played well."
Doubles action featured new duos with both teams capturing third place. The No. 1 team of Lauren Jost and Becky Faber, whose 8-6 win in the third match against Hutchinson Trinity, marked its best outing. The No. 2 duo of Greta Wiebe and Kelsey Bartel just missed out on a first place finish, tumbling in 8-6 and 8-5 matches against Sterling and St. John, respectively.
