MASON, Ohio — The second day of the state girls tennis tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center on Saturday provided another growth opportunity for a pair of area players whose futures remain bright in the sport.
Anthony Wayne senior Lilly Black, who has committed to play for the University of Cincinnati and helped her team reach the state team event which will be held Sunday at Cincinnati St. Xavier, became a three-time Division I state placer.
Ottawa Hills junior Catherine Rhegness made it to the Division II state tournament for the third time, but left after winning multiple matches for the first time at the state’s highest level.
Black lost to North Canton Hoover junior Tess Bucher 6-3, 6-1 in a semifinal, but bounced back to beat Rocky River Magnificat freshman Anna Bennett 6-1, 6-3 to finish third.
“It means a lot [to make it to Day 2],” Black said. “I’m super grateful and glad. Our team has been doing really well and we’re in the state semis on Sunday, and that’s the farthest we’ve ever gotten.”
Black endured a back injury last summer that hindered the beginning of her season.
She lost in a quarterfinal in 2019, finished third in 2020, and was the state runner-up last season.
“[Her season] started out slower than in years past because she had some injuries and had to fight through,” coach Jim Sutto said. “Once she got healthy, her game slowly returned and I think she’s just getting back to where she was, but it’s been a tough road for her this year.”
Rhegness lost in a quarterfinal as a freshman at state in singles and lost in the first round at state last year, but won both of her matches Friday to advance to Day 2 for the first time.
She lost to eventual state champion Amiya Bowles, a freshman from Bexley who didn’t lose a set the entire season, 6-0, 6-1 in a semifinal.
In the consolation match, Rhegness fell 6-4, 6-4 to Shaker Heights Laurel senior Ellie Brotherton to finish fourth.
“I feel like this year was a growing year,” Rhegness said. “I’m trying to take my game to the next level, so I’ve worked really hard and I’m just going to try and get better.
“I was confident [coming in to state] but I knew there was some really good competition here, so that always makes it a little more nerve-wracking.”
Ottawa Hills coach Jeff Harst has been impressed with Rhegness’ work ethic throughout her prep career.
He considers her a “consistency machine” who showed an ability throughout state to frustrate opponents.
“[Finishing] fourth is awesome,” Harst said. “Up until [state], she had only lost six individual games the entire season. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I’ve never seen that before. She just doesn’t miss.
“During her lunch [throughout the season], she goes and plays every day for a half hour and then goes to practice and sometimes will work in the weight room. Everything she’s gotten, she’s earned.”
First Published October 23, 2022, 12:22 a.m.
