State power sweeps Jackson in sectional

ST. LOUIS — Jackson senior Erinne Haff always will remember her final high school tennis match.

Haff was aware of the reputation of St. Joseph's Academy junior Misia Kedzierski. Kedzierski is the top-ranked played in the six-state Missouri Valley Section of the United States Tennis Association and was a former high school state singles champion.

Kedzierski defeated Haff 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles to help the Angels to a 5-0 win in a Class 2 sectional match Saturday at St. Joe's.

"I had never played her, but I heard she was one of the best players in the state," Haff said. "She was better than advertised. She is the best player I have ever seen. She not only hits the ball harder than anyone, but her ball striking is awesome. It was fun playing against her. We don't get to see that level of player."

And Jackson does not see a team the caliber of the Angels, who will be heavy favorites to win their fifth consecutive team championship Thursday in Springfield.

"I had never seen St. Joe's play," Jackson coach David Brummel said. "They are the whole next level of teams we are used to playing. We just tried to be as competitive as we could and play hard on every point."

The match started with three doubles matches. Jackson was able to win games at each position. Haff and partner Alison Keiper fell to Kedzierski and Katie Thome, 6-0, 6-2.

Raechel Batz and Ashley Ptacek lost to Angie Tracy and Madeline Jolly 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2 doubles, while Kaylyn Snethen and Jade Freeman lost to Lauren Smith and Cara Jacobsen 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3 doubles.

The singles did not take long as Kedzierski and Thome each won without losing a game. Thome defeated Keiper 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 singles.

The match stopped after St. Joe's clinching fifth win.

"Despite the outcome on the scoreboard, I am very proud of the way the girls played today and throughout the season," Brummel said. "You can't let one match like this reflect the whole season."

Jackson finished 13-3 in dual matches, with three victories over Central, including one in the regional round. Jackson's lone losses came against Springfield Glendale and Nerinx Hall as well as the one against St. Joe's.

The Indians' season is over as they were not able to qualify anyone to the individual portion of the state tournament next weekend in Springfield.

Next year will be a rebuilding one as six of the eight players who competed Saturday were seniors.