The Becker boys tennis team had some great play from their two singles players and two doubles teams last Saturday in Sartell.  Becker’s top player, Jacob Lukkarila, emerged from the pack and finished a true second to advance to state.

 

“Jacob played some terrific tennis today,” said Head Coach Hokan Bengtson.  

 

With his 3-1 record in singles play Saturday, Lukkarila will play in the state tournament at the Baseline Tennis Center on the campus of the UofM this Thursday. Lukkarila holds a 31-2 record on the season.

 

Lukkarila beat Eric Minnerath of Sartell-St. Stephen by 6-0, 6-2 scores in the first match. He then beat Spencer Konecne of Bemidji by 6-3, 6-2 scores. Lukkarila’s only hiccup came against Tanner Lundberg of Brainerd, who beat Lukkarila 6-3, 6-1.

 

Lukkarila rebounded with a big win over Peyton Fischer of Willmar, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) to garner his state bid.

 

Daniel Garcia, Becker’s other singles phenom, played an amazing match in his first round, forcing the Bemidji #1 player (Konecne) into three sets before being defeated, 5-7, 6-3, 5-7.

 

Garcia finished the year 24-2. 

 

“He was a blessing to me as a coach and to our entire group,” said Bengtson. “His infectious smile and great attitude are contagious.”

 

In doubles play, Becker’s duo of Tyler Lindquist and Branden Roemer played the best doubles their head coach had seen them play all year.  They lost to the eventual runners up in the section from St. Cloud Tech, Eric Inderieden and Kevin Heller.  

 

Roemer finished the year 22-8 and Lindquist was 24-4.

 

Becker’s other doubles team, CJ Howard and Johnny Crocker, lost to the eventual section champs from Tech ( Nate Jordre and  Nick Portz).  Howard finished the year 17-11 and Crocker was 19-5.

 

“This group of seniors has been truly special,” said Bengtson. “They are excellent tennis players, but even better young men.  The guys who are coming up behind them have big shoes to fill in the years to come.  I am so proud of my guys.”