Women’s tennis seeks revenge against Iowa City in state quarterfinals

The women’s tennis team beat Cedar Rapids Washington in Class 2A quarterfinals 5-2 on May 24 and has advanced to the final four which will take place June 5 against Iowa City West. The other two teams remaining are Des Moines Dowling and West Des Moines Valley. 

In the competition against Washington in No. 1 doubles, Mira Keeran and Maya Mallavarapu won, 6-2,6-2, over Katherine Zylstra and Katelyn Koch. 

Their youngest player, freshman Sriya Kalala has had a great season for herself, winning 14 matches in position 5 and only losing one. “It’s hard being the youngest player because I feel like I have to be just as good as the older girls, but they are all very supportive and always willing to help,” Kalala said.

Captain Mira Keeran has been on the team for three years but has been in tennis since she was 6 years old. “I hope to see our team bring home the championship trophy for our school,” Keeran said. 

They have had some tough competition against Iowa City West with them seeding 2 in the tournament and Cedar Falls seeding 3. “They are a tough team, but I know our team is stronger,” coach Tara Sagers. Cedar Falls lost to Iowa City West 4-5 in a close contest in the team’s first competition of the season on April 6. Since then, Cedar Falls has not lost as a team.

“We find a good balance between fitness, nutrition, drills and matches to better prepare them for competition. Our job as coaches is to bring out the best in each kid on and off the court,” Sagers said. These girls play competitive tennis year-round developing technique, endurance and mental toughness. 

With a dominating season, these girls are determined to beat the teams at final four andl not let Iowa City West take home a win over them, ”We will get them at the state tournament. We are definitely the team to watch out for,” Sagers said. 

 

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