The Raiders sent three players to the State Tennis meet at the Baseline Tennis Center at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis on October 26. Senior Claire Keller went as a singles player, and she was accompanied by her sophomore sisters Brooklyn and Reese as the doubles team. All three Kellers had the same roles in last year’s state tournament, so they all knew what to expect this time around.

Claire played in the 8:00 a.m. session where she defeated Roseville’s Marit Haugen 6-1, 6-0. Claire then had a break while doubles played their first round before she returned to the court at noon. Claire then faced the number three seed, Elk River’s Ava Nelson. Nelson won the match 6-3, 6-2 eliminating Claire. Claire fought hard the second match but could not overcome Nelson’s power and quickness. Nelson ended up finishing third in the tournament.

For doubles, Reese and Brooklyn, they started off a little slow dropping the first set 4-6. The sisters then stormed back to win the first-round match 6-2 and 6-1. The second match did not go so well. They lost to the eventual state champions, Malea Diehn and Keely Ryder from Rochester Mayo 6-1, 6-0.

The girls played hard, did a great job all season long and were bumped from the tournament by some very talented tennis players. Aside from being great tennis players for Hastings, they have been great teammates and even better humans. A big thank you needs to go to the entire Raider Tennis teams coaches and players for a fun season and to the Keller family for improving my knowledge of tennis.