STURGIS - Rapid City Central invaded Sturgis and was victorious in all singles matches and two of three doubles matches in a 8-1 dual victory.
Central was without its No. 1 singles player and team leader, Hallie Sims, who is now sidelined with an inflammation of the tendon in her right elbow, which has her resting up for the state championships next week.
"It has been hurting all season, but it got worse in the past few weeks," Sims said. "I am taking this opportunity to rest it this week in order to do my very best next week at state."
At No. 1 singles, Central's Kim Lucas defeated Mallory Strang, 10-7. Lucas was asked to play No. 1 singles in Sims' absence and she filled in just fine. Lucas battled back and forth with Strang, but pulled away late to hold off and secure the victory.
At No. 2 singles, Central's Rochelle Flynn defeated Lauren Takahashi, 10-0. After just getting off the court with a victory in her doubles match, Flynn took no rest as she went to battle, winning handily. Her serve was tough, making it difficult for Takahashi to return it with much pace, allowing for easy winners for Flynn.
Central's Kaia Erickson defeated Stacey Davidson, 10-1, in No. 3 singles. After her victory, Erickson was ecstatic.
"This feels awesome," Erickson said. "I lost to her (Davidson) last year and I was not going to allow myself to lose this year-so I stepped it up big time."
Kelsey Smith defeated Sam Tritsch in No. 4 singles, 11-9. Claire Porter defeated Angela Peterson, 10-0, in No. 5 singles and Kate Evans defeated Kelsey Bradford, 10-1, in No. 6 singles.
At No. 1 doubles, the Cobbler's temporary duo of Rochelle Flynn and Dana Jakeway defeated Stacey Davidson and Lauren Takahashi 10-9 (10-7) in a tie-breaker. The match was competitive, but in the end, Flynn and Jakeway pulled ahead and were able to secure the victory.
"It felt good. I was glad they brought Dana up from JV to be my partner because we communicated well and got the job done," Flynn said about playing together for the first time.
At No. 2 doubles, Strang and Tritsch defeated Erickson and Smith, 10-7, offering the Scoopers only victory of the day. At No. 3 doubles, Porter and Evans defeated Peterson and Bradford 10-1.
Sturgis plays today at home against Pierre, and Rapid City Central battles rival Rapid City Stevens at 2 p.m. at Sioux Park.
Stevens 9, Spearfish 0: The Rapid City Stevens girls' tennis team knocked off Spearfish 9-0 in a high school dual Monday in Spearfish.
The Raiders' Sydney Moyle won her 50th career singles match with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Larissa Evers.
The Raider varsity moved to 19-2 on the season with the win.
Stevens' junior varsity stayed perfect on the season at 19-0 after winning their dual 7-0.
The Raiders will play Rapid City Central today at 2 p.m. at Sioux Park.
