Awards Presented to MHS Girls Tennis Players

The Milbank High School girls tennis season wrapped up with its annual awards potluck Tuesday, October 20, at the high school lunchroom. Individual awards were presented by head coach Jim Dahl.

Senior Rebekah Tuchscherer received the Dynamic Duo award, a senior award and was named to the South Dakota High School Activities Association Academic All-State team for her accomplishments in the classroom. Tuchscherer tallied 85 career state tournament points, which places her third on Milbank’s all-time list. She follows Anna Kurtz with 152 points and Gretchen Biersbach with 109. She, along with doubles partner Paige Johnson, collected a 12-8 record this season and earned the Dynamic Duo award. She was also one of two seniors on the team and received a plaque to commemorate her dedication to the program.

Junior Paige Johnson was presented the Gamer/Matchmaker Award for winning 401 total games and 27 total matches at her number three singles position this season. She also was presented the Dynamic Duo Award along with Tuchscherer.

Junior Tatiana Stemsrud earned the Coaches/Effort Award for the countless hours she put into her game during the off-season. She attended a camp in Florida as well as various lessons, camps and tournaments held in Milbank.

Senior Cara Berkner was given a senior award in appreciation of her six years of dedication to the sport. She was also named to the Academic All-State team.

Halli Essington was named the Most Improved player this season. She won 104 games and eight matches. “She showed great improvement and desire for the game,” noted Dahl.
Jodi DeVaal captured the junior varsity Gamer/Matchmaker Award. She won 129 games and nine matches this season.

The team finished the season with a 14th place finish and the century mark of 100 points at the state tournament. The Lady Bulldogs have placed 14th or higher for the past three consecutive seasons. Milbank Area team also earned the Academic All-State recognition.

Receiving a varsity letter certificate were Berkner, Tuchscherer, Johnson, Stemsrud, Jamie DeVaal and Sarah Jarman.

Earning a junior varsity minor letter certificate were Essington, Jodi DeVaal, Rhianna Cantine, Bailey Frerichs, Kaitlin Schmitt, Rhianna Welberg, Jenna Johnson, Shelby Lee and Mackenzie Michels.

Coaches Abbey Trapp and Steve Stemsrud were honored for their commitment to the program this season. Kevin Cantine received this year’s Friend of Tennis Award. Larry and Loretta Cantine supported the team at the state tournament and provided a cake for awards night.