Ayla Brown and Dani Nuest are headed to the State Class AA Tennis Tournament to represent the Becker Bulldogs.

The dynamic duo teamed up last week to finish in second place in the Section 8AA Individual Doubles tournament held at Sta-Fit in Sartell. Their state tournament experience will kick off on October 27.

In the opening round, the #1 south seed Bulldog team had to work very hard against the North’s #4 seed from Bemidji, winning 6-3, 6-2.

“They overcame a rough start to the day, playing a Bemidji team that had some surprising pace every so often... it was hard for our girls to get into a normal rhythm,” Coach Nate Bucher said. “But, they found a way to win.”

In the second match of the day, Brown and Nuest had to face the South #3 seed from St. Cloud in Isabelle Anderson and Abby Brown. The Becker team made quick work of their opponent in this round to advance to the finals, winning 6-1 in both sets.

“Their second match was the match that proved why they had such a high seed,” Bucher said. “They found their pounding groundstrokes and strong net play.”

The second win set up a championship match that featured the same two doubles teams from the previous week’s South sub-section tournament, with Brown/Nuest facing the #2 South seed from St. Cloud, Ella Maraohl and Paige Tarrolly. In the South sub-section championship, the Bulldogs had emerged victorious, but a week later the St. Cloud team edged out a win.

“It was a rematch from the weekend before in the championship and was such a fun match to watch again!” Bucher said. “Dani and Ayla came out strong, and had at one time three match points in the second set, but fell in a tiebreaker. Then couldn’t regain their footing in the third set.”  

The St. Cloud team went on for the comeback win, 3-6, 7-6 (1) and 6-2.

Bucher expressed great pride in his two Seniors, but also was complimentary to the St. Cloud team who will join the Bulldogs at state.  In tennis, both the Section champions and runners-up make it to the MSHSL tournament. Because the team that finished third was the other St. CLoud team that Becker had already defeated earlier in the tournament, there was no need for a “true second” place match.

“The Saint Cloud team they met in the championship clearly have the make-up of the two top teams that should be making their way to state,” Bucher said. “All four girls love the competition and play at a high level. It will be fun to see both teams play at the State tournament.” 

For Brown and Nuest, the state tournament berth was something that they achieved together, even though they were singles players for much of the season. After securing their place at state, the two senior captains shared their thoughts together.

“We’re super grateful for the opportunity as it wasn’t something we necessarily expected going into the season,” they said.  “The adjustment to doubles was hard because we have both played singles all season, so we are super thankful for all the coaches like Bucher, Jen Anderson, Stevens, Dilly, and Stan.”

The girls also received some extra training, in the form of some scrimmages aimed at improving their speed and accuracy.

“We also want to thank Hokan Bengston, as well as Jesse and Landon Peterson for scrimmaging and helping us get better!” said the girls. “We are super excited to end our senior year performing on a big stage with each other and give all the glory to God!”