Rams’ historic season ends at state
The Glenwood girls team’s historic season came to an end in the first round at the Class 1A, State Team Tennis Tournament last Tuesday in Johnston.
The Rams dropped a 5-0 decision to Waverly-Shell Rock in the opener with the Go-Hawks winning the first five singles matches.
Glenwood’s state appearance is the school’s first in team tennis.
“I am very proud of these girls,” said Glenwood coach Callie Ohm. “Getting to the state tournament is a huge accomplishment that they should be proud of. Everyone is back for next season so I am already looking forward to it.”
Ohm said the Go-Hawks were a “tough” match up for her team.
The Rams No. 1 singles player, Ellie Osterloh lost to Chelsea Poesch 6-2, 6-4, Ruby Crow dropped a decision to Krissy Weir 6-4, 7-5, Erin Stanley lost to Ashlyn Hughes 6-0, 6-2, Brielle Smith lost to Hannah Folkerts 6-2, 6-3 and Sierra Stouder fell to Olivia Phillips 6-2, 6-3 in the capper.
Ohm said Waverly-Shell Rock wasn’t a mismatch for her team despite the lopsided score.
“They’re a good team but I would have to say that Shenandoah is right up there with them,” Ohm said. “They played better than us and deserved the win.”
The Rams’ Brooklyn Taylor wasn’t able to finish her match due to Waverly-Shell Rock winning the clinching fifth match and reaching five points. After having lost the first set in a tie break, Taylor was up 4-3 in the second.
The Rams finished the team season among the top eight 1A teams in the state. Ohm said that accomplishment is huge for the girls’ tennis program.
“Our program has been improving for the past couple of years. I think that we were able to finish in the top eight because of our deep lineup. No. 1 through No. 6 are tough players. I had confidence in all of them. These six and even Cameron Rounds at No. 7 have grown since the beginning of the season. They really worked hard to get better. I predict this summer we will spend quite a bit of time down at the courts trying to get better at our game. Hopefully this will encourage others to do the same."
The season is just over and Ohm is already excited about her team’s prospects for next year.
“I look forward to big things in the coming years, we get everyone back next year.”
The Rams head to the Class 1A, State Singles and Doubles Tournament June 1-2 where Ellie Osterloh and the tandem of Brooklyn Taylor and Erin Stanley will compete for individual state titles. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex in Iowa City .