Juniors Josie Sjoquist and Sophia Nerison and sophomore Livia Tennessen represented Cannon Falls at the Minnesota State Girls Tennis Tournament on October 24th and 25th. Although they had an incredible season, their road to state was not easy. There were many challenges and adjustments that they all had to make throughout the season. Tennessen stated that one of her biggest challenges this season was “I went from singles last year to doubles this year so it was a different point of view and I had to learn how to play with another person on the court.” Tennessen went from playing singles by herself last year to playing doubles with Nerison this season. Nerison, Sjoquist, and Tennessen all emphasized the hard teams they had to play throughout the season and the close matches they pushed through. Sjoquist explained one of her challenges on the court this year, saying “One challenge was playing against a different style of play than I am used to, instead of using more pace with shots my opponent would try to slow the rally down.” Nerison referenced one of her and Tennessen’s hard matches this year stating, “Some of the challenges we faced were having close matches to the end like Waseca. We had a hard match against them.”
However, with challenges come highlights, and all three girls had many things to highlight about their season. Sjoquist explained that not only the girls who went to the state were successful this season, but the whole bomber tennis team. She reflects on one of her high points saying, “A highlight of sections was seeing three groups of us playing in the two section championship matches because it was so fun seeing all of our hard work paying off.” Nerison highlighted some history-making that the bombers made this season, “a really big highlight was sweeping Lourdes 7-0 twice for the first time in over 30 years.”
One of the most important things about sports at the state level is finding something motivating throughout the tournament. Sjoquist had nineteen wins when approaching the state tournament and she said getting twenty wins for her season motivated her. Nerison described what encouraged her throughout the tournament by saying, “Something that motivated me throughout the state tournament was that there hadn’t been three people to go in a long time.” Sjoquist and Tennessen both emphasized the large number of fans that were there to support them and said that is also what inspired them because they had the community behind them.
When asked about their favorite part of the state tournament the girls had many favorite moments and memories to spotlight. Tennessen stated her favorite part of the tournament was getting to see and play all of the talent across Minnesota. Sjoquist emphasized her win and the support she received by saying, “My favorite moment at the state tournament was winning my first match to achieve 20 wins on the season while being supported by all of the people who helped me get to that moment.” Nerison focused on the opportunity she got to be there by saying, “My favorite moment at the state tournament was probably just getting a chance to play there in general, which is something a lot of people wish they got to experience. Spending time with my friends was really fun and making the memories that we won’t ever forget.”
Bomber Girls Tennis has so much to be proud of and thankful for at the end of this season. These girls hope to come back next year stronger and better than ever and return to the state tournament for Sjoquist and Nerison’s senior season.
