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From STAFF REPORTS

The Ark City girls tennis team finished in a tie for fourth place with Valley Center Thursday at regionals.

Kapaun won the event, followed by Bishop Carroll and Winfield, respectively.

No Ark City girls qualified for state this season.

Seniors Melissa Barr and Melissa Peterson both lost in the first round of singles.

Barr lost a tough first-round match to Newton's top player, 6-4, 6-2. She has faced this opponent three times earlier in the season and took two of the decisions.

"Today was not her day," Ark City coach Aaron O'Donnell said. "I was tremendously impressed by how she handled herself during and after the match. She displayed a lot of class."

Patterson battled a tough Bishop Carroll opponent, but lost in straight sets.

"She, as well, handled things beautifully," O'Donnell said. "I was very proud of their sportsmanship and respect for the game and for their opponents. These two will be missed."

Both doubles teams lost in the quarterfinals, which is the qualifying round.

Megan Myers and Siera Lungren lost a close contest to Kapaun to finish the season with an 18-9 match record.

"These two have two more years to make it and place at state, O'Donnell said, "so they are now the team's new leaders.

"I know the loss can sting for a long time, but it needs to be used as motivation for the future."

Seniors Kim Wilson and Courtney Crane were one set away from going to state, but dropped their third set against Bishop Carroll to end their season. They finished the season with a 20-8 match record.

"They handled defeat like true champions," O'Donnell said.

"It was tough watching four high school tennis careers end. My hope is that each of these young ladies continues to play for fun and exercise. I hope they pass on their knowledge and love of the game to youngsters to continue growing the game of tennis."