Girls top Jordan for first dual win

The New Prague Trojans won their first dual meet of the girls tennis season, defeating Jordan 4-3 Thursday, Aug. 29.

            The Trojans won two matches each in singles and doubles to give them the four wins. Anna Johnson won in straight sets at No. 3 singles, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, while Taylor Ledwein, seeing her first varsity tennis action, dropped the first set, then came back to win 1-6, 6-2, 10-6. The third set was played as a super-tie-breaker.

            In doubles play, Emma Zvanovec and Julianna Ryburn won their match at No.1 doubles, 6-3, 1-6, 10-2, while Sarah Goblirsch and Justice Kos won their No. 2 doubles match 6-0, 6-1.

            Also playing for the Trojans were Deven Fennern and Jirina Flicek in singles and the team of Carly Madigan and Julia Bartusek in doubles.

            "We are starting to settle in with our varsity roster," coach Kyle Zellner said. "The girls are starting to feel more comfortable with the positions that they are playing.

            "Taylor [Ledwein] had a great three-set match, and did a good job coming from behind. Emma and Julianna were the last ones on the court and fought through a third set to close out the win for New Prague."

            Zellner said the doubles teams are continuing to learn each other’s styles. "We still aren’t where we need to be, but the girls are working hard and continue to feel more comfortable. Our singles players are also doing a nice job of putting some speed on the ball and working on placement."

            The Trojans return to action at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, when they host Holy Angels. They will compete at the Brainerd Invitational at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, then play three road matches next week, at Belle Plaine Monday, Sept. 9, at Northfield Tuesday, Sept. 10, and at Farmington Thursday, Sept. 12.