Pipestone's Veteran Tennis Duo Shines on Senior Day

Pipestone Area Schools' senior tennis players Alicia Haack and Addison Draper were celebrated during their final home match, as the Arrows secured a 4-3 victory over River Valley. The duo has been integral to the team's success over the past several seasons, with Draper joining the program in eighth grade and Haack following a year later.

Experienced Leaders Propel Pipestone to Crucial Conference Win

Draper and Haack Anchor Doubles Lineup

Addison Draper and Alicia Haack have been the backbone of the Pipestone Area Schools' girls' tennis team for the past several years. Draper, who joined the program in eighth grade, has now moved up to the top doubles spot, pairing with Kate Hanson. Meanwhile, Haack has taken on a versatile role, splitting time between No. 1 doubles with Vivian Brockberg and the No. 3 singles position.Head coach James Skyberg praised the contributions of his senior leaders, noting their growth and development over the years. "They've both come up this year and did pretty well," Skyberg said. "Because of last year's losses to graduation, Draper has moved to No. 1 and No. 2 doubles, while Haack has played a mix of No. 1 doubles and singles."The veteran duo's experience and leadership have been crucial in guiding the Arrows' lineup, as Skyberg has the flexibility to shift them between doubles and singles depending on the team's needs. Their ability to adapt and excel in multiple roles has been a key factor in Pipestone's success this season.

Doubles Dominance Propels Pipestone to Victory

Pipestone's doubles teams were the driving force behind their 4-3 triumph over River Valley. Haack and Brockberg cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 1 doubles, while Draper and Hanson delivered a dominant 6-0, 6-0 performance at the No. 2 spot. Skyberg was particularly impressed with the latter duo, calling it their "best match they've played all season."The Arrows' depth was on full display, as the eighth-grade pairing of Aubrey Brockberg and Sophia Baatz also secured a 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles. Skyberg noted that the first game was tightly contested at 3-all before the young duo broke their opponents' serve to take control of the match.Iva Witte's victory at No. 4 singles, a 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Selene Krohnfeldt, provided the clinching point for Pipestone. The team's ability to win across multiple doubles positions and secure a crucial singles point showcased their well-rounded talent and depth.

Honoring the Seniors on a Memorable Day

The Senior Day festivities were a fitting celebration for Haack and Draper, who have been integral to the Pipestone program for the past several seasons. During the pre-match ceremony, the two seniors were presented with a bouquet of flowers, a mini-racket with photos, and a bag of candy, recognizing their contributions and dedication to the team.Skyberg expressed his appreciation for the leadership and impact of his veteran players, saying, "They've both come up this year and did pretty well." The coach's praise underscores the invaluable role Haack and Draper have played in the Arrows' success, both on and off the court.As the Pipestone girls' tennis team continues their conference schedule, the experience and poise of Haack and Draper will undoubtedly continue to be a driving force behind their pursuit of further victories and accolades.