August 29, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Atlantic wins tennis dual

By LARRY PETERSON
Kennedy Strider of Creston approaches a shot near the net during her No. 2 singles match against Atlantic.

Kennedy Strider of Creston approaches a shot near the net during her No. 2 singles match against Atlantic. (Larry Peterson)

Atlantic held a 4-2 advantage after singles, sailing to a 7-2 girls tennis victory at Creston Tuesday.

Four of Creston’s varsity singles players had to leave for volleyball in their dual participation, leaving the Panthers with two varsity players and four JV players in the doubles lineup, where Atlantic allowed only two points in sweeping the three matches.

Brooke Huck of Creston serves during her No. 5 singles match against Atlantic.

Brooke Huck of Creston serves during her No. 5 singles match against Atlantic. (Larry Peterson)

Sophomores Marlee Stalker and Shaylee Coen won at No. 3 and No. 4 singles, respectively, for the Panthers. Both were competitive matches ending in an 8-6 score.

“Today was a tough loss for our tennis team,” Creston coach Kevin Cooper said. “We just didn’t play well enough in singles. We were way too impatient and inconsistent in our losses.”

Creston (3-3) traveled to Boone on Wednesday, falling 11-0.

Creston's Marlee Stalker reaches to return a forehand shot during her 8-6 win at No. 3 singles against Atlantic.

Creston's Marlee Stalker reaches to return a forehand shot during her 8-6 win at No. 3 singles against Atlantic. (Larry Peterson)

Atlantic 7, Creston 2

Singles — Jacobi Harter (Atl) def. Hollynn Rieck (Cr), 8-3; Lily Willrich (Atl) def. Kennedy Strider (Cr), 8-3; Marlee Stalker (Cr) def. Shauna Anderson (Atl), 8-6; Shaylee Coen (Cr) def. Addie Fruend (Atl), 8-6; Anni Darrow (Atl) def. Brooke Huck (Cr), 8-2; Aubrey Winford (Atl) def. Savannah Jaques (Cr), 8-2.

Doubles — Harter-Willrich (Atl) def. Coen-Jaques (Cr), 8-0; Anderson-Darrow (Atl) def. Janessa Pokorny-Lila Berning (Cr), 8-1; Dyln Ball-Taryn O’Brien (Atl) def. Kenna Castelan-Christina Strand (Cr), 8-1.

Larry Peterson

LARRY PETERSON

Former senior feature writer at Creston News Advertiser and columnist. Previous positions include sports editor for many years and assistant editor. Also a middle school basketball coach in Creston.