Jackson faces big challenge

The Jackson High School girls tennis team recorded a major accomplishment last week by winning the Class 4A, District 1 Tournament championship. It was the Lady Indians' first district title since 1992.

But coach Linda Adams realizes it will be a whole lot tougher for the Lady Indians to advance another level.

Jackson will serve as host for a four-team sectional/quarterfinal competition today at Southeast Missouri State University's courts. Action will begin at around 10 a.m. The event was supposed to be held Saturday, but various players on several of the teams are scheduled to take college entrance exams that day.

Today's format will feature Jackson against District 2 runner-up Marquette and District 2 champion St. Joseph's Academy against District 1 runner-up Farmington in dual matches. The winners then square off for the right to advance to next week's state team tournament in Springfield, Mo.

St. Joseph's Academy from St. Louis, the defending 4A state champion, shut out Jackson last year in the sectional around after the Lady Indians finished second in their district. And just to get a crack at St. Joseph's again, Jackson would have to knock off a strong Marquette squad from St. Louis.

"Marquette is really good and St. Joseph's is awesome," said Adams. "It's going to be really tough for us, but we're looking forward to the competition. You have to play the best to get better and my girls are looking for the opportunity to improve."

Adams figures the Lady Indians won't be facing any pressure today because they have already done better than most people thought. Farmington was the solid favorite to win the District 1 crown but Jackson prevailed.

"We're pleased," Adams said. "I was so shocked because we all thought Farmington was the team to beat. My girls did a great job."

Regardless of what happens today, the Lady Indians will send three players to next week's state individual tournament in Springfield. Nicole Poythress won the district singles title while the doubles team of senior Carly Vogelsang and sophomore Kelly Mitchell placed second.

Class 1A-3A, District 2 runner-up Charleston will compete in a four-team sectional/quarterfinal Saturday at Shaw Park in St. Louis.

Charleston faces host Clayton, the District 1 champion, while District 2 winner Dexter meets District 1 runner-up John Burroughs. The winners will then square off for a state berth.

Charleston has already qualified both its doubles teams for state as the squads of Britt Story-Courtney McClendon and Emily McDowell-Mindi Luehmann placed one-two in last week's district.