Park Hill’s girls tennis team used a thrilling finish to repeat its championship at the Tana Stock Northland Tennis Tournament on Oct. 2.
The tournament came down to the final match of the day, where junior Chloe Falkenhain helped seal the title with an 8-3 triumph to win her B-flight singles championship. Senior Anna Chambers also contributed to the team’s title, finishing runner-up in A-flight singles.
On the doubles side, Park Hill’s A-flight team of Y’Quira Lacy and Ireland Callagy earned a silver medal, falling in the championship to a reigning state qualifying team. Park Hill’s B-flight tandem of Ali Bray and Brynn Wilkens contributed a third-place finish.
Park Hill’s junior varsity team also performed well, sharing the JV title with Platte County. Junior Sophia Elliott led the singles effort by taking first in B-flight, while Rylee McCauley and Ireland Hudak won B-flight doubles.
Platte County’s varsity squad finished as the tournament’s runner-up, led by a B-flight tournament title from Clare Hayter and Macy Doll. The Pirates’ share of the JV team title came from A-flight dominance, where Addison Fleming won singles and Shaylin Keith and Greta Espeer won doubles.
Park Hill’s conference tournament performance was the latest example of the team’s improvement down the final stretch, winning four of their final six matches.
The Trojans wrapped up their dual schedule with an impressive 8-1 win over St. Joseph Central on Oct. 1 inside Genesis Health Club.
“The Lady Trojans showcased outstanding consistency, focus, and energy throughout the afternoon/evening,” Park Hill head coach Tim Kalis said. “We anticipated a closely contested match, the girls rose to the challenge and controlled play from the start, sweeping doubles and ultimately earning an impressive 8-1 victory.”
The Trojans concluded the regular season with a dual record of 5-6. Postseason play opens with individual districts on Oct. 9 at Oak Park High School, where Park Hill hopes to qualify singles and doubles players for the individual state tournament.
“The girls are playing some of their best tennis right now and have avenged some losses from earlier in the season,” Kalis said.