Girls tennis: Locals still in running for state berths at 1A Rochelle Sectional

Several local girls tennis players were still alive for state tournament berths at the Class 1A Rochelle Sectional at the end of play Friday night.

When darkness halted the proceedings in Day 1, only Dixon’s doubles team of Leah Kuehl and Grace Ferguson had advanced to the semifinals, thus securing a state berth. They defeated Freeport’s Macy Olson and Kyla Plowman 6-2, 6-2 in the third round to move on.

Another local doubles team, Sterling’s Anna Meltzer and Layla Tablante, were playing for a semifinal berth, but were unable to finish their third-round match.

That was also the case for a trio of singles players. Dixon’s Chloe Coil and Sterling’s Jenica Francis were tied one set apiece and will play their third set Saturday morning to determine who stays alive in the bracket. Newman’s Sarah Tunink and Sterling’s Ellie Aitken also were still vying for a spot in the semifinals after advancing to the third round.