By Wayne A. Bauer

Staff Writer

The Lady Crusaders Tennis team defeated the Clearfield Lady Bisons tennis squad by a 7-2 score in a match held at the Benzinger/Memorial Park courts on Thursday. 

“Today we were very successful against a really good, well-coached Clearfield team. Both teams played some great tennis and all of the matches were exciting and highly competitive,” said ECC coach Peter Meier. “Kylie Auman continued her strong play at No. 1 singles and then teamed with Abby Meyer to win at No. 1 doubles. Kylie and Abby were outstanding in beating one of the better doubles teams in D-9 in a very close, very exciting match.”

“Playing short handed due to an injury, Crystal Hanes was asked to step up and play No. 2 singles and she responded with her best tennis of the season. Despite losing in three sets, Crystal’s play was outstanding and it was truly enjoyable to watch,” said Meier. “Once again Shanelle Housler won a hard fought match at No. 3 singles and then partnered with Ally Brock to win an exciting, well played match at No. 2 doubles. Shanelle and Ally played very well together and right now they are playing some of the best doubles tennis in the district. Loreal Housler moved up to play at No. 4 singles and she came through with another wonderful effort. Loreal is just a sophomore and she continues to be a very good player for us. Megan Fritz played her first match after being sidelined with an injury and she also responded with some of her best tennis this year. Brittany Auman and Kathryn Ordiway played very well in losing a tough match at No. 3 doubles to a very good Clearfield duo. And Laira Reuscher and Maria Gismondi were fantastic in winning their first varsity match at No. 4 doubles.”

“Today we won against a very good team and there isn’t enough room to list all of the positive things that happen,” said Meier. “It was great to see the excitement on Kylia and Abby’s face when they won at No. 1 doubles. It was a pleasure watching Crystal’s superb play at second singles and it was really something watching Shanelle win a tough match at third singles and then team with Ally to win an equally hard fought doubles match. Megan Fritz’s return to the courts went very well and Loreal’s win was impressive. And we had two freshmen team up and win at fourth doubles. We played some great tennis today and we won against a very good team.”

Auman won 6-0, 6-1 over Jenny Miller at No. 1 singles, then Hanes was defeated by Clearfield’s Madison Sopic 3-6, 6-2, (7-10) at second singles. Shanelle Housler won at third singles by a 6-4, 2-6, (10-7) score against Kristen McKenzie, Loreal Housler defeated Suzie Colesar, 6-3, 6-1, at fourth singles, and Fritz won at fifth singles over Angela Moore by a 5-7, 6-4 (10-7) score.

In double Auman and Abby Meyer defeated Miller and Sopic by an 8-6 score at first doubles. Shanelle Housler and Abby Brock defeated McKenzie and Colesar at second doubles by a 8-3 score. Brittany Auman and Kathryn Ordiway lost at third doubles to Angela Moore and Sierra Grice by a 8-3 score. In the fourth doubles match, Laira Reuscher and Maria Gismondi defeated Jenna Cowder and Hilary Buck by an 8-1 score.

Elk Catholic returns to action on Tuesday when they travel to Brockway for a match with the Lady Rovers.