Girls tennis: ‘Hounds, Tigers, head back to state

The Carmel (left) and Fishers (right) girls tennis teams won their respective semi-states on Saturday, qualifying them for the state finals. The Greyhounds won at Culver Academies by beating Crown Point 5-0, while the Tigers took care of host Homestead 5-0. (Photos provided)

The Carmel and Fishers girls tennis teams both advanced to the state finals after defending championships at their respective semi-states on Saturday.
The No. 1-ranked and defending state champion Greyhounds beat No. 21 Munster 5-0 to triumph at the Culver Academies semi-state. Carmel took care of business quickly, winning all five matches in straight sets. The Greyhounds have now won 13 consecutive semi-states, extending their record, and a state-leading 18 overall.
No. 1 singles Lauren Littell was a 6-1, 6-1 winner, followed victories for No. 2 Nora Perkins 6-1, 6-3 and No. 3 Elyse Nelson 6-0, 6-0. In doubles, No. 1 Hallie Alexander and Alexa Lewis were 6-2, 6-4 winners, while No. 2 Allie Griffin and Thea Bertolini triumphed 6-3, 6-0.
Meanwhile, the No. 4-ranked Tigers cruised past the host, No. 17 Homestead 5-0 to win their second consecutive semi-state. Fishers only dropped seven games among the five matches.
In singles, No. 1 Mischa Briggs scored a 6-0, 6-0 shutout, while No. 2 Izzy Mokra won 6-1, 6-3. Caroline Ober also won her No. 3 singles match 6-0, 6-0. In doubles, No. 1 Cassie Maurer and Emma Beehler were victorious 6-0, 6-2 and No. 2 Meredith Ober and Madelyn Barron were 6-0, 6-1 winners.
The eight semi-state champions now play in the state quarter-finals, which take place at noon Friday. Carmel will host two matches, playing No. 7 Zionsville in its quarter-final, while No. 5 South Bend St. Joseph and No. 2 Jasper will also play at the Todd Witsken Tennis Center.
Fishers will travel to Center Grove and take on No. 9 Evansville Memorial in their quarter-final match. Oldenburg Academy and No. 20 Delta will face off in the other quarter-final at Center Grove.
The Saturday, June 4 semi-finals and championships matches will also take place at Center Grove.