WILMINGTON – Hometown freshman Claire Burns outlasted Madeira senior Megan Wu Saturday to win the first singles championship in Flight E of the Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association Coach’s Classic at Wilmington High School.
Burns defeated Wu 6-4, 6-4 in the championship match. Wu was a district qualifier last season.
“Megan is a skilled and experienced lefty and Claire just wouldn’t give her any room in either set,” WHS coach Doug Cooper said.
Burns advanced to the title match with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Clinton-Massie’s Nina Lazic in the semifinal round.
“Nina earned some credit for really giving it a go against Claire under tough circumstances,” said Cooper. “With Caroline Clifton (from Goshen) and Hailey Clayborn (from Clinton-Massie) needing rest, it was all hands on deck for Goshen and Clinton-Massie scrambling to fill spots. Even still, Flight E saw lots of great tennis with Madeira, Seton and Wilmington all bunched at the top. It was a fun event and we were thrilled to host.”
Lazic finished fourth at first singles, falling to Huhn of Goshen in the consolation thriller 4-6, 6-4, 4-6.
At first doubles, Wilmington’s Emma Schroeder and Jenna Taylor were runnersup to Daltilo and Stinson of Seton, 2-6, 5-7. The WHS pairing won a battle in the semifinal round over Petro and Rusk of Madeira 6-0, 6-7 (5-7), 10-8.
At second singles, Allie Kees of Wilmington was fourth, coming up short in another tight battle in the consolation final, 2-6, 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, to Dee of Seton.
Raelee Schulz of Clinton-Massie did not place at second singles.
At third singles, Rachel Barker of Wilmington was fourth, losing to Price of Goshen 2-6, 2-6 in the consolation final. Elizabeth Mason of Clinton-Massie did not place in the bracket.
Kari Cragwall and Liza Duncan of Clinton-Massie were fourth, dropping the consolation final to Petro and Rusk of Madeira 4-6, 3-6.
At second doubles, Wilmington’s Zane Bekheet and Kristina Walt defeated Clinton-Massie’s Jenn Callewaert and Lindsey Amberger 7-5, 6-4 in the consolation final for third place.
