Netters open with split in Big River Conference

• Ally Kreye charges the net

Hudson senior Ally Kreye charges the net to return a shot in her match at No. 3 singles last Thursday against Menomonie. Kreye battled through the longest match of the day before coming out on the short end of a 3-6, 2-6 decision. Photo by Bob Burrows
• Racheal Knoke winds up for a backhanded return

Senior Racheal Knoke winds up for a backhanded return in her match at No. 2 singles against Menomonie last Thursday at the high school courts. Knoke posted a 6-1, 6-4, victory to help the Raiders to a 6-1 win. Photo by Bob Burrows

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Hudson girls’ tennis coach Dave Dahl isn’t sure anybody in the Big Rivers Conference can beat Eau Claire Memorial this season.

The Old Abes showed why they’ve won two straight conference titles, and 16 of the last 17, with a 6-1 victory over the Raiders last Tuesday in Eau Claire. Hudson bounced back with a 6-1 victory two days later at home against Menomonie to even their BRC record at 1-1.

Hudson’s lone win at Eau Claire Memorial came at No. 1 doubles, where Casey Fall and Jenny Fassbinder pulled out a 2-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory.

“They’re very strong in singles and just outplayed us,” Dahl said about the Old Abes. “We had a little more success in doubles. Jenny and Casey earned a big win at the one spot. They were making great decisions the entire match and really executed well in the second and third sets. I knew these two were capable of this kind of effort, and as senior leaders, I think we’ll get more of this from them.”

Alex Johnson and Bailey Knight, at No. 2 doubles, jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the first set but couldn’t hold on, falling in the end by scores of 6-7, 3-6.

The Raiders bounced back nicely on a hot, humid day last Thursday on their home courts, winning three of four singles matches and sweeping the doubles play in a 6-1 victory over Menomonie.

“It was a tough day to be out there alone with the extreme heat, but our girls held up well,” Dahl said.

Morgan Van Allen fell behind early at No. 1 singles but came back to win 10 of the next 12 games to post a 6-4, 6-1 victory while Racheal Knoke posted a 6-1, 6-4 decision at the No. 2 spot.

Ally Kreye lost, 3-6, 2-6 at No. 3 singles while Kelsie Hines was ahead 5-1 in the first set at No. 4 singles when her opponent forfeited due to the heat.

“Ally Kreye actually played the longest match of the day and even though it didn’t go her way in the end, I was proud of the way she kept fighting,” Dahl said.

In doubles play, Fall and Fassbinder rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win, Johnson and Knight won 6-3, 6-3, and Sydney Squires and Julia Douglas won 6-4, 6-2.

“It wasn’t as easy as the scores might indicate for our doubles, but certainly I was pleased to get the doubles sweep,” Dahl said.

The Raiders, now 12-7 overall, visited River Falls Tuesday, Sept. 6, and will be at home against Rice Lake next Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m.

Tags: sports, tennis, raiders, prep