Tough foes and tough luck hurt Merrill net girls

The Bluejays girls tennis team ran into a perfect storm of an injury to one of its top players in conjunction with two formidable foes last week. That led to a 5-2 loss to Wis. Rapids on Tuesday and a 6-1 defeat by Wausau Newman on Thursday, both at home.
“Our team started out the week with the unfortunate news that Mandy Vonderheid’s lingering foot injury had worsened to the point where she needed to have a cast put on,” MHS coach Janet Thompson said. “This was very disappointing for her and for the entire team, as she will miss the remainder of the season. 
“Mandy and Karina Baacke had, up to this point, achieved a record of 11-3 at #2 doubles. Morgan Thompson has been moved up to fill Mandy’s position. Morgan has a strong backhand which complements Karina’s powerful forehand.
“Despite two losses this week, the girls are still positive and have been working hard at practice to prepare for our final two WVC meets next week.”
In the Newman match, #3 singles player Annie DeBroux was the only player able to grab a win in 7-5, 7-6 (5) nailbiter.
“Annie DeBroux continues to play well. She plays smart tennis and never gives up on a point,” Thompson said. “Her recent matches have consistently been hard-fought and have lasted well over two hours.”
The Baacke/Thompson duo hung within 7-5, 6-2, and #1 doubles duo Jolene Ladewig/Morgan Wilde lost 6-0, 6-4.
Newman dominated the other matches, taking down Leah Johnson (6-0, 6-1), Chloe Krahn (6-0, 6-0), Therese Renaud (6-2, 6-1) and the team of Ashley Ollhoff/Megan Smith (6-2, 6-0).
Rapids transit
The Jays took two of the three doubles matches versus Rapids and pushed two other matches to a third set before losing.
Ladewig/Wilde (6-4, 6-4) and Amanda Leitzke/Ollhoff (6-7, 6-1, 6-4) won their matches, while Baacke/Thompson fell 6-2, 2-6, 6-2. DeBroux also dropped a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 match.
Renaud was bumped 6-4, 6-4 at the #4 singles spot.
Johnson (6-3, 6-0) and Krahn (6-1, 6-0) were handled in straight sets in the top two singles positions.