A Battle All the Way to the End for Harlan Cyclone Tennis

(Harlan, IA) – It is all up from here for Harlan’s tennis teams after finishing up their season last week in boy’s and girl’s action. While the teams didn’t show this year’s improvements in the win column, it looked great out on the court and they competed with some top talent toward the end of the season. Both Thomas Kurtz and Teagon Bissen were able to pull in a win in the first round of district play in doubles action. Like their teammates, they only continued to improve all season long in the eyes of coaches Michael Rueschenberg and Dillon Stane.

In terms of perseverance this season, one athlete that stands out is Colton Hagle who battled through his last district match last week. Hagle came close in his singles match by winning the second set and fell in the third set super-tiebreaker.

On the girl’s side, Scarlett McGuiness was so close to making it to the finals match as she was just one win away. McGuinness was able to make it to the semifinal match and earn third overall after falling to the #2 seed from Denison-Schleswig. Harlan’s doubles team of Anastacia Kay and Claire Schmitz were able to pull in their first-round matchup while unfortunately falling in their second-round matchup against one of their toughest opponents all season.

This season featured multiple improvements across the court for Harlan that may not have shown in the record book but were displayed on the court. Coach Rueschenberg’s early season goals including seeing the groundstrokes and aggressiveness at the net improve were achieved. But one thing that they’re looking for are more wins next season and to get even better in doubles play.

Next season, the boy’s team will only continue to get better. With such a young squad this season, the boys will be working over the course of the summer. Their summer work will push this team over just about any opponent they face next year. On the girl’s side, they will have some big shoes to fill with five seniors graduating and this year’s freshmen will have to step up and be ready to be thrown into some tough matchups.

Harlan’s tennis teams have concluded their season and will be supporting their golf and track and field teams in postseason play.

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