Girls Tennis Serves Up Awards

The MHS girls tennis team held its awards potluck Tuesday, October 17, at the high school. Jodi DeVaal, the lone senior on the team, was presented with the Senior Award. She was active in the tennis program six years, the team captain this year, and scored 10 points at the state tournament. DeVaal was also named to the Academic All-State Team for her classroom achievements. To earn the award, a player must be a senior, have competed in the sport for three or more seasons, and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

DeVaal, along with Halli Essington also won the Dynamic Duo Doubles Award. The award is given to the doubles team with the most match wins. DeVaal and Essington at the No. 1 singles position, ended the season with seven wins.

Essington also won the Matchmaker Award. This award is presented to the player who won the most matches throughout the season. Halli won 17 matches including 10 at her No. 2 singles position and the seven at the No. 1 doubles spot. She also won four matches at the state tournament and led the Lady Bulldogs with 25 points.

Rhianna Cantine was chosen for the Most Dedicated Award. “She spent the most time in the off-season on her tennis game,” said Coach Jim Dahl. “She spent the most time at the Matchpoint Indoor Tennis Center in Sioux Falls, the most time at Cantine Courts here in Milbank, and had the most tournament play during the off-season.”

Varsity letter winners were: DeVaal, Essington, Cantine, Rhianna Welberg, Jenna Johnson, and Hattie Muellenbach. Cantine, Welberg, Johnson, and Muellenbach were also given a Major M for their letterman’s jackets. Junior varsity certificates were presented to Abby Michels, Mackenzie Michels, and Alexis Ninneman.

MHS Girls Tennis Award Winners are: (Back l. to r.) Rhianna Welberg, Halli Essington, Jodi DeVaal, Mackenzie Michels, Rhianna Cantine, and Abby Michels. (Front) Alexis Ninneman, Jenna Johnson, and Hattie Muellenbach.