Indy Star

 

Park Tudor's girls tennis team has won four consecutive high school state titles and is currently No. 1 and undefeated . . . but that hasn't been as easy as it sounds.

Despite joining a state championship team that returned nearly intact, freshman Chelsea Carter earned the No. 1 singles position early in the season until a sprained ankle sidelined her for about a month. Carter is expected to return to the lineup against visiting Lawrence Central in the first round of the Marion County Tournament, which kicks off today at eight sites.

"(Carter's return) makes us so tough at No. 2 and 3 singles," Park Tudor coach Dave Heffern said of moving down Lindsay Thygesen and Maggie MacPhail, who have both played No. 1 this season. "And Chelsea's got a great deal of talent. She can beat anybody."

Even without her, the Panthers beat No. 4 Cathedral and No. 18 Brebeuf last week, each 3-2. Park Tudor could play Brebeuf again Friday in the county finals. It hosts No. 2 Carmel on May 20.

Park Tudor won the Cathedral match behind MacPhail at No. 2 singles with a three-set victory over Paola Usina. Brebeuf paired its top two players at No. 1 doubles and had two match points in No. 2 doubles, but Julie Elbin and Emily Knapp pulled out the victory.

"They gritted their teeth and played well," Heffern said of Elbin and Knapp. "If they continue to show that resolve, it gives us another chance to pick up a point.

"We're coming along. Sarah MacPhail and Carolina Emhardt only have one loss at No. 1 doubles. We'll find out more about ourselves against Carmel, (but) I'm very pleased with the progress we've made."