CAPE CENTRAL TENNIS TEAM TO BEGIN TWO-DAY SECTIONAL COMPETITION TODAY

Cape Girardeau Central High's girls tennis squad begins what figures to be a tough road to the state team tournament when sectional play begins today.

In years past, the four sectional participants gathered at one site for one-day competition to determine the sectional champion and the state berth.

But things will be played out a little differently this time. Central will host Ladue at 12:30 p.m. today at the Southeast Missouri State University courts, while in St. Louis, St. Joseph's Academy takes on Oakville.

Today's winners will meet Saturday for the sectional title. If Central beats Ladue, then the Lady Tigers will host either St. Joseph's Academy or Oakville at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Southeast courts.

Central's task will be a difficult one because both St. Joseph's Academy and Ladue are perennial state powerhouses, with St. Joseph's considered one of the leading contenders for the state title.

"They are always two of the best teams in the state," said Central coach Annette Slattery. "We'll be facing some exceptional competition."

The Lady Tigers advanced to the team sectional round by winning its fourth consecutive district title. Oakville finished second in Central's district.

St. Joseph's Academy rolled to its district title, with Ladue second.

The sectional winner will compete in the state team tournament in Springfield.

Regardless of what happens in the sectional, Central will have three participants in next week's state individual tourney in Springfield: Liz Russell in singles and the doubles team of Sarah Chaudhari and Jessica Burns. They finished first in district play.