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By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Springfield Catholic Lady Irish defended their home court by beating Bolivar 5-1 to claim the Class 1 District 9 championship. It was their third district championship in a row.
“I think we all knew we could get a win today,” said Catholic’s Erin Jarvis who competes in the number one spot for the Irish. “But Bolivar is a good team and has had a great season themselves so we knew we’d have to be at our best.”
Making the rounds and checking in on his charges frequently, to make sure his kids were staying focused on the day’s task, was Catholic head coach Martin Versteeg.
“We were heavy favorites in today’s match with Bolivar and sometimes when that happens kids can get a little over-confident,” said Versteeg. “I just wanted to remind our kids that we were playing a very capable team and that we needed to stay focused.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MATCH
“We all love coach Versteeg. He’s always there checking on us and encouraging us during both good and bad times,” said the Irish’s Claire Griesemer. “Last year he was named as the Missouri Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He’s a great coach- but we all already knew that.”
The Fightin Irish jumped out in front of the Liberators for a 2-1 advantage following doubles play.
In doubles action Catholic’s number one team, comprised of Claire Griesemer and Ashley Andrews, downed Bolivar’s Megan Roberts and Jordan Martin 8-2. Also picking up a win for the Irish were Erin Jarvis and Lauren Neu, competing as SC’s number two squad, who overpowered the Liberator’s Alexis Berry and Raegan Kelly 8-0.
Bolivar’s Madeline Elizabeth Geurin and Tracy Hall, competing in the number three doubles slot, kept the Liberators close though defeating the Irish’s Juyoung Lee and Elizabeth Tynes 6-8.
Up 2-1 and headed into singles play the Irish needed to win only three of six singles matches to notch the victory. Jarvis, Neu and Lee quickly grabbed wins to give Catholic a 5-1 victory over the Liberators.
The Irish were now district champions and on their way to sectionals.
“We’ve had a great season so far. We’ve only lost once this year and along the way we’ve won all the tournaments we’ve competed in including a sweep in the Big Eight,” said Jarvis. “I’d love to win sectionals again this year. Getting to the final four for the third year in a row would just be awesome.”
“We’re a great team and we have had a great year,” added Griesemer. “We all enjoy playing tennis and when you get six girls together that love the sport as much as we do it makes what we’re doing out here very special.”
For Bolivar, and their head coach Lorie Periman, 2018 has been a great year for the Liberators.
“Despite our loss today our girls have had a great season,” said Periman. “Along the way our girls have given us all they have to give. They’ve played their hearts out and they never gave up. I’m really very proud of them.”
On Friday, Oct. 5, Springfield Catholic will be hosting district singles and doubles tournament competition.
