Great Bend Tennis Players Fall Short at State Championships

The Great Bend tennis team faced a tough challenge at the 5A state tennis championships on October 27, 2023, held at the Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka. Both singles competitors, Paige Stacey and MacKenzie Lindberg, were eliminated from the tournament after suffering defeats in their respective matches.

Stacey, who finished fourth in singles this season with a record of 19-16, encountered a formidable opponent in Audrina Gjoza from Andover. Gjoza secured a decisive victory, defeating Stacey with a score of 6-2, 6-0. Subsequently, Stacey faced Maura Maher from Aquinas, where she lost again, this time 8-3, marking a challenging end to her state tournament run.

Similarly, Lindberg, who ended the season with a commendable record of 25-12 and a fifth-place finish, also struggled in her matches. She first faced Jenna Clouse from Lenexa St. James, who claimed victory with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-0. Lindberg’s tournament concluded with another defeat against Jenna Peltzer, who won 8-3.

This year’s state championship highlighted the competitive nature of high school tennis in Kansas, with athletes from various schools pushing their limits on the court. The performances of Stacey and Lindberg, although resulting in losses, reflect the dedication and hard work they have put into their season.

As the tennis season wraps up, both players will look to build on their experiences and continue improving in future competitions, aiming for success in subsequent tournaments.