ELLINWOOD – Ellinwood’s tennis team returns regional doubles teams Gracyn Dombroski/Shelby Steffan and Grace Sturtz/Vivian Klepper.
At regionals, Dombroski/Steffan downed Lyons’ Leina Clayton/Karson Peter 8-1 and lost 6-0, 6-2 to Hesston’s Kori Kramer/Elyse Griffin; Sturtz/Klepper beat Hutchinson Trinity’s Therese Little/Alssa Lorden 8-1 and lost 6-2, 6-1 to Ellsworth’s Elena Jundt/Hannah Vague.
Ellinwood coach Parker Winter will team Sturtz/Johnston at No. 1 doubles.
“They were 11-3 before Johnston had an injury last season,” Winter said. “They have drastically improved their games and show multiple weapons on the court. They will have a strong season. This group should have a great run this season and shock a lot of 3-2-1A schools.”
Klepper/Steffan will start at No. 2 doubles.
“Klepper/Steffan compete tightly with our No. 1 doubles,” Winter said. “They’ll be one of the better No. 2 doubles teams in 3-1A. Klepper agility and athleticism has grown tremendously. They both have a great touch. There is a combination of net play/hand work, solid groundstroke and placement.”
No. 1 singles senior Gracyn Dombroski (3-10) has experience.
“Gracyn gets to a ton of balls and is consistent with shots,” Winter said. “She has an ability to lengthen points.”
Freshman Brooklyn Reynolds has earned the No. 2 singles spot.
“Brooklyn exhibits energy and enthusiasm,” he said. “She’s athletic with room to grow. She can be accurate with groundstrokes and shows good footwork breaking down and positioning court space.”
EAGLE ROSTER
SENIORS—Gracyn Dombroski (S 3-10, D 4-2), Mahra Johnston (D 11-5), Grace Sturtz (D 13-8)
JUNIOR—Shelby Steffan (D 14-11)
SOPHOMORES—Madelyn Hammeke, Vivian Klepper (D 12-12), Camila Frayre, Aubree French, Hannah Berscheidt
NINTH-GRADER—Brooklyn Reynolds
GIRLS TENNIS
9-3—at Ellsworth
9-5—at Larned; at Ellsworth JV
9-10—at Liberal
9-14—at Great Bend
9-17—Ellinwood; at Hoisington JV
9-19—at Great Bend JV
9-24—at Lyons JV
9-26—at Kiowa
10-3—at Great Bend, Oiler Invite
10-11/12—at 3-1A regional
10-18/19—3-1A state, Wichita Collegiate
