Lady Trojans hang tough, Sepulveda advances to upcoming state tournament

The Whitehall High School tennis team didn't back down from some of the best competition in the state at last week's Southeast B-C Divisional Tournament in Big Sky.

Senior Monica Sepulveda was able to qualify for state with a fourth place finish, and several other Lady Trojans were able to pickup wins in the loaded singles and doubles brackets.

"Everyone played well. I'm really proud of how the younger kids battled. It was a great weekend of tennis," head coach Kerry Sacry said.

Sepulveda opened the tournament with two consecutive victories before falling 6-2, 6-1 in the semifinals to defending state champion Luisa Locker of Lone Peak. Sepulveda bounced back in the consolation bracket with a 6-0, 6-1 victory before falling in a tough third place match 4-6, 6-0, 6-1. She will next compete starting Thursday at the B-C State Tournament in Missoula.

"I expect big things from Monica. We might have four of the best singles players in the state in our division," Sacry said.

Freshman Britney Welker shined in her first postseason event, picking up a 6-0, 6-2 win in her first match. After losing in the quarterfinals, she bounced back with a 6-1, 6-1 win over teammate Dorothy Mastel. Sacry said it's always hard to play your own teammate, especially in the match that is loser out. Welker was eliminated form the tournament with a 6-3, 6-1 loss to Olea Saevik of Jefferson County High School.

Mastel and junior Kyeli Ostler were both eliminated after two matches.

In the doubles competition, the team of Evelin Ramirez and Amber Murrish ended the tournament in fifth place. The team picked up two victories including a 6-1, 6-2 win in the fifth place match.

The doubles team of Alyssa Frankenstein and Alicia Konold was eliminated after their first two matches.