GIRLS TENNIS: Amundsons thriving in singles for Panthers

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Sisters Rylee, a senior, and freshman Brynn Amundson are playing a significant role in singles for the Panthers (Jason Arndt/The Report).

Wilmot downs Elkhorn 5-2 on Tuesday

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

While one Amundson sister is getting started, the older Amundson has established a career season for the Wilmot Union High School girls tennis team.

Rylee, a senior, and freshman sister, Brynn, both won their matches to help the Panthers defeat host Elkhorn 5-2 on Tuesday.

Following Rylee’s two-set decision against Elkhorn’s Stephanie Rosendahl at No. 4 singles, she has won four of her last five dual matches dating back to Aug. 18, when she faced Burlington’s Meghan Savaglia.

According to tennisreporting.com, Rylee is 6-2, better than her junior season when she compiled a 5-5 dual match record.

Rylee, who has split time in doubles play, attributes the recent success to mechanical adjustments when she suffered an injury at the start of the season.

“I have been working on my forehand a lot more, because I hurt my wrist earlier in the year,” Rylee stated. “So it is finally starting to heal and can finally hit a little harder.”

Overcoming an injury had other challenges, however, noting a Sept. 8 match against Westosha Central.

After Rylee dropped a 1-6 first set, she pushed forward to take the next two sets, edging Brantleigh Bannon in the midst of intense humidity.

“Central’s match was tough, I really had to fight through that,” Rylee said. “It was long and hot.”

Panthers coach Lisa Obertin states Rylee conveyed perseverance in the tough match.

“I give Rylee a lot of credit for her match against Central, it was a long three-set match,” Obertin said.

Meanwhile, for Brynn, the freshman with seven years tennis experience is starting to find balance on the court.

Brynn, who started the season 0-4, rebounded to win four of her next five dual matches including Tuesday’s straight-set win against Leesa Sesing of Elkhorn in No. 3 singles.

According to Obertin, the freshman needed time to adapt to the high school style of play, after competing at youth meets.

“She is just getting more comfortable in the high school format playing and getting that confidence,” Obertin said.

As Brynn develops confidence, Rylee believes her younger sister has all the tools, including a strong forehand.

“She hits great and is doing really well,” Rylee said. “Her forehand is great and can drive it really well.”

Brynn’s forehand, and other tools, gives Obertin plenty of optimism for the future.

“It’s exciting, she is a freshman, and she has a really good game,” Obertin said. “She is going to be a player to watch in the next three years.”

While Obertin is enthusiastic about Brynn’s potential, the coach states she will miss Rylee on the tennis courts at the Panther Sports Complex.

“(Rylee) has been a pleasure, and really hate to see her go as a senior,” Obertin said.

Along with Amundsons, the Andersens added two more wins against Elkhorn, starting with sophomore Bianca’s two-set shutout against Gabby Richardson at No. 1 singles.

Senior Bella Andersen, at No. 2 singles, completed the sister sweep with a two-set defeat of McKaila Jacob.

In doubles competition, the senior duo of Kayla Potter and Sam Edmonds edged Kendall Birbaum/Payton Christiansen.

WILMOT HIGH 5, ELKHORN AREA HIGH 2
Singles
No. 1 — Bianca Andersen, WILMOT HIGH, def. Gabby Richardson, 6-0, 6-0; No. 2 — Bella Andersen, WILMOT HIGH, def. Mckaila Jacob, 6-0, 6-1; No. 3 — Brynn Amundson, WILMOT HIGH, def. Leesa Sesing, 6-2, 6-1; No. 4 — Rylee Amundson, WILMOT HIGH, def. Stephanie Rosendahl, 6-3, 6-3;

Doubles
No. 1 — Kayla Potter-Sam Edmonds, WILMOT HIGH, def. Kendall Birbaum-Payton Christiansen, 6-4, 6-3; No. 2 — Jen Fromholz-Ali Smith, ELKHORN AREA HIGH, def. Maddie Lindeman-Grace Suiter, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2; No. 3 — Madison Page-Tristan Nichols, ELKHORN AREA HIGH, def. Shauna Murray-Jordan Potter, 6-4, 6-3;


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