The Hamilton Southeastern girls tennis team won their opener on Tuesday, beating Zionsville 4-1 in a Hoosier Crossroads Conference dual meet.
It was a match between two ranked teams, with the Royals rated No. 5 and the Eagles at No. 16. Southeastern’s No. 1 singles player, senior Tea Vrkic, quickly got the first win of the season with a 6-0, 6-0 victory. No. 3 singles, sophomore Novelle Lee, won her match 6-2, 6-3, then No. 2 singles Emma Bieberich clinched the team victory – on her 16th birthday, no less – with a 6-4, 1-1 (retired) win.
The No. 2 doubles team of juniors Meghan Slaninka and Disha Bukkasagaram won its match 7-5, 6-3. At No. 1 doubles, Emily Orme and Misha Bukkasagaram battled before dropping a three-set match 6-1, 3-6, 7-5.
“Overall, it was a special night for this team,” said Royals coach Kirk Webber. “It had been 691 days since our last girls tennis match, and our girls came out excited and ready to play. We were all grateful for getting to play, and it was a beautiful evening for tennis. This was a great way to start off the season!”
Southeastern plays Franklin Central Thursday in another HCC dual.
Westfield also opened up its season with an HCC win, stunning No. 10 Brownsburg 5-0.
The Shamrocks won all five matches in straight sets. In singles, No. 1 Isabella Norris got a 6-1, 6-0 victory, No. 2 Julia Gabennesch won 7-6 (3), 6-0 and No. 3 Alana Raymond was a 6-2, 6-1 winner. In doubles, No. 1 Maya Raymond and Olivia Krauss won 7-5, 6-4 and No. 2 Chloe Carlson and Emma Schwind were victorious 6-3, 6-3.
Westfield plays another HCC meet at Avon Thursday.