Friday, September 21, 2001
Ursuline faces challenge to top tennis ranking
By Tom Groeschen
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ursuline has jumped to No.1 in the Enquirer's most recent girls tennis poll but could learn this weekend whether it will stay there.
The Lions face rival Sycamore and the rest of the city's top teams at this weekend's GCTCA (Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association) tournament, which began Thursday at various sites. The 41-team tournament, which concludes at Princeton High School at 1p.m. Saturday, is considered a good gauge of who will do well in the postseason.
For years, Sycamore has cast a long shadow over the local girls' Division I tennis scene. But Ursuline last year broke a seven-year drought against the Aviators in winning the Southwest Ohio Tennis Coaches Association tournament. Ursuline was state runner-up last year to Upper Arlington, which is also the only team to beat the Lions this season.
“We haven't lost to anybody in the city,” Ursuline coach Karen Kelley said. “But the Princeton tournament will give us a good idea of where we stand.”
Division II powerhouse Cincinnati Hills Christian Academyis No.2 in the city poll and Sycamore third.
CHCA lost three-time state champion Audra Falk to graduation, but Alex Gross has replaced Falk as Division II's top local player.
In Division I, Seton's Grace Kammerer enters the weekend as the top-ranked player.
For Ursuline, the top three singles players are Andye Kelley, Catherine Rentschler and Kristine Greiwe.
Andye Kelley, daughter of the Ursuline coach,will pair with Rentschler in doubles once the postseason starts.
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Ursuline faces challenge to top tennis ranking
