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Janesville Parker tennis edges Craig

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Parker v. Craig tennis

Janesville Parker High School’s girls tennis team edged Janesville Craig, 4-3, on Thursday in a Big Eight Conference match that started at Palmer Park and finished inside the Janesville Athletic Club.

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JANESVILLE — Janesville Parker High School’s girls tennis team edged Janesville Craig, 4-3, on Thursday in a Big Eight Conference match that started at Palmer Park and finished inside the Janesville Athletic Club.

The Vikings’ No. 3 doubles team of Melannie Whitescarber and Gretchen Genrich outlasted Craig’s Devon Timblin and Brianna Lane, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, in what proved to be the deciding match.

“The big match for us was No. 3 doubles. That’s what won it for us,” said Parker coach Justin Long, whose team improved to 3-1 in the Big Eight.

The No. 4 singles match—won by Craig’s Courtney Spiegler over Teri Harmata, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5—was moved inside to complete the final game.

“We knew it would be close and a matter of who came out and played well,” said Long. “We were able to win one more match.

“It was a big win for us, and we’re playing well right now.”

Craig coach Bill Peyer said Parker has been stronger in singles this season and his Cougars have been better in doubles, and that’s how it played out. The Vikings won the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 singles matches, while Craig took two of the three doubles matches.

“It was a well-fought battle,” said Peyer.

Parker’s Emily Sodemann improved her record to 9-3 at No. 1 singles with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Kelly Collins. At No. 2 singles, Lauren Brooks also moved to 9-3, while Becky Harmata at No. 3 singles improved to 10-2 for the Vikings.

At No. 4 singles, Spiegler handed Teri Harmata (10-2) just her second loss of the season.

In doubles, Craig’s Maggie Bolton and Taylor Storbakken defeated Maddie Thiesen and Kristin Zeilinger, 6-1, 7-6 (9-7). It was the first loss of the season for the Vikings’ No. 1 team (11-1).

The Cougars’ No. 2 doubles team of Ciarra Sroda and Minaliza Shahlapour also won, defeating Kim Amundson and Danielle Boyd, 6-4, 6-1.

Craig next plays on Tuesday at Madson East. Parker hosts Madison La Follette on Tuesday.

PARKER 4, CRAIG 3

Singles—Emily Sodemann (P) def. Kelly Collins, 6-2, 6-0; Lauren Brooks (P) def. Kaylee Rossing, 6-1, 6-2; Becky Harmata (P) def. Sarah Gray, 6-3, 6-2; Courtney Spiegler (C) def. Teri Harmata, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Doubles—Maggie Bolton-Taylor Storbakken (C) def. Maddie Thiesen-Kristin Zeilinger, 6-1, 7-6 (9-7); Ciarra Sroda-Minaliza Shahlapour (C) def. Kim Amundson-Danielle Boyd, 6-4, 6-1; Melannie Whitescarber-Gretchen Genrich (P) def. Devon Timblin-Brianna Lane, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.

Junior varsity—Craig won 5-2.