Netters second at subsectional

• Max Hawksford returns a shot

Hudson’s Max Hawksford returns a shot in a previous match. He will face senior David Yarmulnik of Nicolet in the opening round of the WIAA State Boys Tennis Championships. Bob Burrows photo

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The Raider tennis team will send three individuals and one doubles team to today’s (May 26) sectional in Wausau following the WIAA Division 1 subsectional Monday in Eau Claire.

Max Hawksford, at No. 1 singles, Jimmy Setzer and No. 2, Jeff Dahl at No. 3, and the No. 3 doubles team of Seth Blum and Tanner Owens will all compete Wednesday for a chance to go to state.

Hudson finished second at the subsectional with 18 points, behind Eau Claire Memorial’s 24.

“With the intense heat today, the conditions were brutal,” Raider head coach Dave Dahl said about Monday’s subsectional. “The guys are great at adapting and I was very proud once again of the team effort.

Hawksford needed just one victory, a 6-2, 6-4 decision over his opponent from Chippewa Falls, to advance.

“Max was steady and smart today,” Dahl said. “He’s just one win from playing in Madison and very excited about the opportunity.

Setzer needed three sets to get past his first round opponent from Superior, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, before defeating his Menomonie foe 6-1, 6-3 to move on.

“After a slow start, Jimmy got determined and he’s pretty tough to beat once he’s rolling,” Dahl said.

Jeff Dahl kept his season alive with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Chippewa Falls and a 6-4, 6-3 win over New Richmond.

“He missed a couple of matches because of illness, but it was good to get Jeff back out there today,” Coach Dahl said.

Blum and Owens defeated New Richmond 7-5, and Menomonie 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to qualify for sectionals.

“This was only the third day these two had played together, so to move on to sectionals is quite an achievement,” Dahl said.

Luke Jepperson won his opening round match at No. 2 singles, 6-1, 6-1, against Eau Claire North before losing 4-6, 1-6 to Superior.

“Luke really came on as a singles player in the second half of the season and did some great things for us,” Dahl said. “His contributions were many and he will be very tough to replace. I can’t believe this is the last of the Jepperson brothers.”

Andy Mitchell and Alex Lasiuk moved up to No. 2 doubles and defeated Menomonie, 6-2, 7-6(6) in the opening round before falling to Eau Claire Memorial, 0-6, 0-6.

“Andy and Alex were forced into duty at two doubles by circumstances beyond their control after a great season at three doubles,” Dahl said. “They did their best, but Memorial was too tough. I know these two will be a force next season.

The Raiders’ No. 1 doubles team of Eric Kromer and Ben Duerst dropped their opening match to Eau Claire Memorial, 1-6, 1-6.

“These guys had the misfortune of a lousy draw in the seeding meeting,” Dahl said. “They’re a couple of first-class kids who were elected captains by their teammates for good reason. I’ve known these two seniors for a lot of years and they did an outstanding job of representing Hudson High School. They will be greatly missed.”

The Raiders wrapped up their regular season with a pair of 6-1 victories over Chippewa Falls and New Richmond. The win over the Cardinals wrapped up second place in the Big Rivers Conference while the Tiger victory gave Hudson a regular season record of 11-4.

Tags: sports, tennis, raiders, prep