Huskies Blank Raiders in Tennis; Section 1AA is Loaded

Owatonna girls tennis is off to a strong start on the season. Their 7-0 win over Northfield Wednesday in a makeup match puts the Huskies at 5-1 in the Big Nine and 5-3 overall. Two of those losses came against top-ten ranked teams.

On Wednesday, Owatonna's sweep included a pair of three set victories. Coach Curt Matecjek indicated, "Nice third set victories after we had secured four points...closest matches of the day."

Olivia McDermott came from behind at four-singles 6-7, 6-2 (10-1). Kat McDermott/Jaide Hanson won third doubles 6-2, 6-7 (10-4).

The Huskies scored sweeps at the top three singles positions. Sara Anderson won 6-0, 6-2. Megan Johnson and Olivia Herzog dominated, each winning 6-0, 6-0. OHS scored straight set wins at the top two doubles spots. Caitlynne Bussert/Leah Tucker won 6-4, 6-0 and Liv Matecjek/Alex Huemoeller won 6-2, 6-0. "Had a great day throughout the line up," said coach Matecjek.

Owatonna goes to Rochester John Marshall for a 4:30 pm match on Thursday, September 5. Saturday they play at an event in Waseca.

The most recent girls tennis rankings, Edina, Minnetonka, Mounds View, Rochester Mayo and Eastview hold down the top five spots. Lakeville South, Lakeville North, Elk River, Mahtomedi and Rochester Century round out the poll.

OHS dropped a 4-3 decision to Lakeville North on the opening day of the season. Owatonna lost 5-2 to Century, losing a pair of three-set matches. At the time, Matecjek said, "Great battle versus Century. We had an opportunity to win that one. Lost a couple of third set matches but feel good about how we competed."

Mayo, Century and both Lakeville schools are in Section 1AA with the Huskies. Section One also is looking strong in the first football poll of the season and the latest volleyball rankings. Huskies volleyball plays at Mankato West Thursday, September 5 with the coverage on Kat Kountry 105 FM and the Kat Kountry app.