|
|
Pipestone Area Schools’ senior Vivian Brockberg, a 2024 state qualifier, is among eight experienced returning players.
However, Brockberg lost her doubles partner, Alicia Haack, to graduation.
Brockberg and Haack advanced to state with a 7-6 (7-3 in the tie-breaker), 6-1 victory over Lac qui Parle Valley’s Hannah Ole and Kayla Jahn. The Arrows were unable to win on the state level.
Last year, Brockberg finished with a 16-5 mark in singles and doubles matches combined.
Pipestone Area Schools girls’ tennis player Jasmine Boeke trains during a summer session on Wednesday, July 16, at the PAS Courts. Boeke reached the Section 3A quarterfinals last year, and also was named to the all-Big South Conference squad. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The 2025 season features a new wrinkle.
The Minnesota State High School League during board of directors meetings last year agreed to add a third class for girls tennis.
However, PAS will remain in Class A. With expansion, the Arrows will most likely find a more competitive field on the state level. LifeTime Tennis in Bloomington will be a new championship site venue.
Brockberg is one of four seniors on the roster, along with Olyvia Weber, Kate Hanson and Laura Minet.
Junior Jasmine Boeke, a Big South Conference first-team selection last year, reached the quarterfinals of the Section 3A individual tournament before bowing out to Morris Area-Chokio-Alberta/West Central Area’s Nora Meek, 7-5, 6-3.
Others who played for PAS at the section tournament were graduate Addison Draper and Minet (in the singles draw).
Pipestone Area Schools’ Kate Hanson was a doubles specialist with Addison Draper during the 2024 season. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Junior Iva Witte and freshmen Sophia Baatz and Audrey Brockberg also have varsity playing experience. Baatz and Audrey Brockberg were doubles players last season.
PAS head coach James Skyberg said Ava Boucher, junior Aleryn Brinkmeyer and sophomore Emma Smidt also will be “in the mix to fill in” at varsity spots.
Olyvia Weber (left) feeds balls to Ava Boucher during a July camp session. Camp was conducted on several Wednesdays during the summer. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Skyberg, who has been with the program for 10 years, including three as lead skipper, likes the Arrows chances to have another successful year.
“We can compete with everyone,” he said. “Last year, Montevideo was dominant in every section match, but they lost seven starters. They will be at every other team’s level this year. I feel we can be one of the top seeds in the section.”
The Arrows were 8-8 in dual matches last year.
MSHSL also has expanded opportunities for coaching during matches this year, which may help PAS.
From a historical standpoint, Toryn Woelber advanced to state in 2022. Another recent qualifier was the doubles tandem of Paige Ahrendt and Lauren Laphorn.
The last time PAS won a match at the state tournament was 2002 (with the duo of Cassandra VanVliet and Kelly Cunningham).
There are a heap of new players with nearly 30 girls reported out for tennis this season. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
This Saturday’s road doubleheader at both Benson/Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg and MACA/WCA has been moved to Saturday, Sept. 6 — with both matches at the same times. The season schedule accompanies this story.
Both Skylar Mendro and Tanya Schroyer return as assistant coaches.
Pipestone Area Schools logo. (Contributed graphic from the PAS school district)
GIRLS TENNIS
Pipestone Area Schools
2025 Schedule
August
19, YELLOW MEDICINE EAST, 11 a.m.; MACCRAY, 2 p.m.; 21, at Montevideo, 10 a.m.; at Lac qui Parle Valley, 1 p.m.; 23, at Worthington Tournament; 26, BLUE EARTH AREA; 28, at St. James Area
September
2, RIVER VALLEY; 4, at Luverne; 6, at Benson/Kerkhoven-Murdock Sunburg, Benson High School, 10 a.m.; Morris Area, 1:30 p.m.; 11, at Redwood Valley, Redwood Falls; 16, FAIRMONT; 18, NEW ULM; 22, at Marshall; 25, WORTHINGTON
Playoff Schedule
October
6, Section 3A Team Quarterfinals, at better seed, TBA; 9, Section 3A Team Semifinals and Finals, Huether Family Match Pointe, Sioux Falls, S.D.; 13, Section 3A Individual Tournament, first day; 14, Section 3A Individual Tournament, second day; 21-24, Minnesota State High School League Class A State Tournament, Reed-Sweatt Tennis Center, Minneapolis
Editor’s Note: All home matches are listed in ALL CAPS, and played at the PAS Courts.