Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The Redbirds’ Ainsley Fortschneider and Molly Gross won a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles to clinch the decisive victory against Althoff.

“They had to win a few tiebreaks today and the last one gave us the tournament,” Alton coach Jesse Macias said. “They showed a lot of grit.”

Redbird grit also showed in a No. 1 doubles defeat to Althoff, whose top entry of Olivia Melichar and Mary Nester won seven of eight doubles matches at the Class 1A state tournament last season to place fifth. Nester and Melichar were taken to the limit by Alton’s Hannah Macias and Maddie Saenz at LCCC before winning an 13-11 tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets.

“Hannah and Maddie played really well all day,” coach Macias said of his top doubles team. “They were 3-1 overall and when you have set points against a team that placed in state a year ago, you should feel good about your game. It was a fantastic match, Althoff is a tough team.”

Alton victories at No. 2 doubles from twins Cali and Mackenzie Giertz and No. 5 doubles from Paige Rockholm and Lexi Mayfield denied Althoff the title.

“Our 5 doubles team did incredible all day,” Macias said. “We had a freshman (Rockholm) and a senior (Mayfield) playing together and they dominated at times.”

Mayfield and Rockholm joined Gross and Fortschneider with a perfect 4-0 day in a tourney that also utilized courts at Alton High and the Simpson Tennis Center at Moore Park in Alton.

Val Walters and Nikki Lowe, who split time at No. 2 and 3 doubles, Saenz and Macias, and the Giertz sisters all posted a 3-1 record in a tourney that saw the Redbirds share the title with Quincy Notre Dame last year.

“The Giertz’s lost their first match of the day,” coach Macias said, “but they gave us wins when we needed them, especially in the finals.”

In other dual finals, Rochester defeated Quincy Notre Dame for third place and Bradley-Bourbonnais defeated Roxana for fifth place. Greenville placed seventh and was awarded the Andy Simpson Team Sportsmanship Award.

BOYS GOLF

Quincy Tourney – Zach Trimpe shot 72 to lead Edwardsville to a third-place finish at the 69th annual Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.

Quincy Notre Dame won the championship with a 381, with O’Fallon second at 388 and Edwardsville third at 399. Quincy (406), Pekin (417), Springfield (429), Rock Island (430), Chatham Glenwood (432), Waterloo (432) and Springfield SHG (434) rounded out the top 10 in a format that used each team’s top five scores.

QND’s Alex McCulla was medalist with a 68, four shots ahead of Trimpe and O’Fallon’s Logan Lowery and Caden Cannon in a three-way tie for second. The Tigers’ Blake Burris carded a 77 to place 10th. Nate Frey (82), Ben Patterson (83) and Trevor Laub (85) completed Edwardsville’s lineup. The Tigers also entered two at-large golfers with Hayden Moore shooting 78 and Ian Bailey at 80.

Alton posted a 451 to finish 15th. The Redbirds scored Dylan Lahue’s 81, Clayton Pilger’s 85, Tyler Hazelwood’s 91, Aiden Keshner’s 94 and Austin Olson’s 100.

Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The Redbirds’ Ainsley Fortschneider and Molly Gross won a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles to clinch the decisive victory against Althoff.

“They had to win a few tiebreaks today and the last one gave us the tournament,” Alton coach Jesse Macias said. “They showed a lot of grit.”

Redbird grit also showed in a No. 1 doubles defeat to Althoff, whose top entry of Olivia Melichar and Mary Nester won seven of eight doubles matches at the Class 1A state tournament last season to place fifth. Nester and Melichar were taken to the limit by Alton’s Hannah Macias and Maddie Saenz at LCCC before winning an 13-11 tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets.

“Hannah and Maddie played really well all day,” coach Macias said of his top doubles team. “They were 3-1 overall and when you have set points against a team that placed in state a year ago, you should feel good about your game. It was a fantastic match, Althoff is a tough team.”

Alton victories at No. 2 doubles from twins Cali and Mackenzie Giertz and No. 5 doubles from Paige Rockholm and Lexi Mayfield denied Althoff the title.

“Our 5 doubles team did incredible all day,” Macias said. “We had a freshman (Rockholm) and a senior (Mayfield) playing together and they dominated at times.”

Mayfield and Rockholm joined Gross and Fortschneider with a perfect 4-0 day in a tourney that also utilized courts at Alton High and the Simpson Tennis Center at Moore Park in Alton.

Val Walters and Nikki Lowe, who split time at No. 2 and 3 doubles, Saenz and Macias, and the Giertz sisters all posted a 3-1 record in a tourney that saw the Redbirds share the title with Quincy Notre Dame last year.

“The Giertz’s lost their first match of the day,” coach Macias said, “but they gave us wins when we needed them, especially in the finals.”

In other dual finals, Rochester defeated Quincy Notre Dame for third place and Bradley-Bourbonnais defeated Roxana for fifth place. Greenville placed seventh and was awarded the Andy Simpson Team Sportsmanship Award.

BOYS GOLF

Quincy Tourney – Zach Trimpe shot 72 to lead Edwardsville to a third-place finish at the 69th annual Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.

Quincy Notre Dame won the championship with a 381, with O’Fallon second at 388 and Edwardsville third at 399. Quincy (406), Pekin (417), Springfield (429), Rock Island (430), Chatham Glenwood (432), Waterloo (432) and Springfield SHG (434) rounded out the top 10 in a format that used each team’s top five scores.

QND’s Alex McCulla was medalist with a 68, four shots ahead of Trimpe and O’Fallon’s Logan Lowery and Caden Cannon in a three-way tie for second. The Tigers’ Blake Burris carded a 77 to place 10th. Nate Frey (82), Ben Patterson (83) and Trevor Laub (85) completed Edwardsville’s lineup. The Tigers also entered two at-large golfers with Hayden Moore shooting 78 and Ian Bailey at 80.

Alton posted a 451 to finish 15th. The Redbirds scored Dylan Lahue’s 81, Clayton Pilger’s 85, Tyler Hazelwood’s 91, Aiden Keshner’s 94 and Austin Olson’s 100.

Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The Redbirds’ Ainsley Fortschneider and Molly Gross won a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles to clinch the decisive victory against Althoff.

“They had to win a few tiebreaks today and the last one gave us the tournament,” Alton coach Jesse Macias said. “They showed a lot of grit.”

Redbird grit also showed in a No. 1 doubles defeat to Althoff, whose top entry of Olivia Melichar and Mary Nester won seven of eight doubles matches at the Class 1A state tournament last season to place fifth. Nester and Melichar were taken to the limit by Alton’s Hannah Macias and Maddie Saenz at LCCC before winning an 13-11 tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets.

“Hannah and Maddie played really well all day,” coach Macias said of his top doubles team. “They were 3-1 overall and when you have set points against a team that placed in state a year ago, you should feel good about your game. It was a fantastic match, Althoff is a tough team.”

Alton victories at No. 2 doubles from twins Cali and Mackenzie Giertz and No. 5 doubles from Paige Rockholm and Lexi Mayfield denied Althoff the title.

“Our 5 doubles team did incredible all day,” Macias said. “We had a freshman (Rockholm) and a senior (Mayfield) playing together and they dominated at times.”

Mayfield and Rockholm joined Gross and Fortschneider with a perfect 4-0 day in a tourney that also utilized courts at Alton High and the Simpson Tennis Center at Moore Park in Alton.

Val Walters and Nikki Lowe, who split time at No. 2 and 3 doubles, Saenz and Macias, and the Giertz sisters all posted a 3-1 record in a tourney that saw the Redbirds share the title with Quincy Notre Dame last year.

“The Giertz’s lost their first match of the day,” coach Macias said, “but they gave us wins when we needed them, especially in the finals.”

In other dual finals, Rochester defeated Quincy Notre Dame for third place and Bradley-Bourbonnais defeated Roxana for fifth place. Greenville placed seventh and was awarded the Andy Simpson Team Sportsmanship Award.

BOYS GOLF

Quincy Tourney – Zach Trimpe shot 72 to lead Edwardsville to a third-place finish at the 69th annual Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.

Quincy Notre Dame won the championship with a 381, with O’Fallon second at 388 and Edwardsville third at 399. Quincy (406), Pekin (417), Springfield (429), Rock Island (430), Chatham Glenwood (432), Waterloo (432) and Springfield SHG (434) rounded out the top 10 in a format that used each team’s top five scores.

QND’s Alex McCulla was medalist with a 68, four shots ahead of Trimpe and O’Fallon’s Logan Lowery and Caden Cannon in a three-way tie for second. The Tigers’ Blake Burris carded a 77 to place 10th. Nate Frey (82), Ben Patterson (83) and Trevor Laub (85) completed Edwardsville’s lineup. The Tigers also entered two at-large golfers with Hayden Moore shooting 78 and Ian Bailey at 80.

Alton posted a 451 to finish 15th. The Redbirds scored Dylan Lahue’s 81, Clayton Pilger’s 85, Tyler Hazelwood’s 91, Aiden Keshner’s 94 and Austin Olson’s 100.

Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The Redbirds’ Ainsley Fortschneider and Molly Gross won a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles to clinch the decisive victory against Althoff.

“They had to win a few tiebreaks today and the last one gave us the tournament,” Alton coach Jesse Macias said. “They showed a lot of grit.”

Redbird grit also showed in a No. 1 doubles defeat to Althoff, whose top entry of Olivia Melichar and Mary Nester won seven of eight doubles matches at the Class 1A state tournament last season to place fifth. Nester and Melichar were taken to the limit by Alton’s Hannah Macias and Maddie Saenz at LCCC before winning an 13-11 tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets.

“Hannah and Maddie played really well all day,” coach Macias said of his top doubles team. “They were 3-1 overall and when you have set points against a team that placed in state a year ago, you should feel good about your game. It was a fantastic match, Althoff is a tough team.”

Alton victories at No. 2 doubles from twins Cali and Mackenzie Giertz and No. 5 doubles from Paige Rockholm and Lexi Mayfield denied Althoff the title.

“Our 5 doubles team did incredible all day,” Macias said. “We had a freshman (Rockholm) and a senior (Mayfield) playing together and they dominated at times.”

Mayfield and Rockholm joined Gross and Fortschneider with a perfect 4-0 day in a tourney that also utilized courts at Alton High and the Simpson Tennis Center at Moore Park in Alton.

Val Walters and Nikki Lowe, who split time at No. 2 and 3 doubles, Saenz and Macias, and the Giertz sisters all posted a 3-1 record in a tourney that saw the Redbirds share the title with Quincy Notre Dame last year.

“The Giertz’s lost their first match of the day,” coach Macias said, “but they gave us wins when we needed them, especially in the finals.”

In other dual finals, Rochester defeated Quincy Notre Dame for third place and Bradley-Bourbonnais defeated Roxana for fifth place. Greenville placed seventh and was awarded the Andy Simpson Team Sportsmanship Award.

BOYS GOLF

Quincy Tourney – Zach Trimpe shot 72 to lead Edwardsville to a third-place finish at the 69th annual Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.

Quincy Notre Dame won the championship with a 381, with O’Fallon second at 388 and Edwardsville third at 399. Quincy (406), Pekin (417), Springfield (429), Rock Island (430), Chatham Glenwood (432), Waterloo (432) and Springfield SHG (434) rounded out the top 10 in a format that used each team’s top five scores.

QND’s Alex McCulla was medalist with a 68, four shots ahead of Trimpe and O’Fallon’s Logan Lowery and Caden Cannon in a three-way tie for second. The Tigers’ Blake Burris carded a 77 to place 10th. Nate Frey (82), Ben Patterson (83) and Trevor Laub (85) completed Edwardsville’s lineup. The Tigers also entered two at-large golfers with Hayden Moore shooting 78 and Ian Bailey at 80.

Alton posted a 451 to finish 15th. The Redbirds scored Dylan Lahue’s 81, Clayton Pilger’s 85, Tyler Hazelwood’s 91, Aiden Keshner’s 94 and Austin Olson’s 100.

Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The Redbirds’ Ainsley Fortschneider and Molly Gross won a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles to clinch the decisive victory against Althoff.

“They had to win a few tiebreaks today and the last one gave us the tournament,” Alton coach Jesse Macias said. “They showed a lot of grit.”

Redbird grit also showed in a No. 1 doubles defeat to Althoff, whose top entry of Olivia Melichar and Mary Nester won seven of eight doubles matches at the Class 1A state tournament last season to place fifth. Nester and Melichar were taken to the limit by Alton’s Hannah Macias and Maddie Saenz at LCCC before winning an 13-11 tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets.

“Hannah and Maddie played really well all day,” coach Macias said of his top doubles team. “They were 3-1 overall and when you have set points against a team that placed in state a year ago, you should feel good about your game. It was a fantastic match, Althoff is a tough team.”

Alton victories at No. 2 doubles from twins Cali and Mackenzie Giertz and No. 5 doubles from Paige Rockholm and Lexi Mayfield denied Althoff the title.

“Our 5 doubles team did incredible all day,” Macias said. “We had a freshman (Rockholm) and a senior (Mayfield) playing together and they dominated at times.”

Mayfield and Rockholm joined Gross and Fortschneider with a perfect 4-0 day in a tourney that also utilized courts at Alton High and the Simpson Tennis Center at Moore Park in Alton.

Val Walters and Nikki Lowe, who split time at No. 2 and 3 doubles, Saenz and Macias, and the Giertz sisters all posted a 3-1 record in a tourney that saw the Redbirds share the title with Quincy Notre Dame last year.

“The Giertz’s lost their first match of the day,” coach Macias said, “but they gave us wins when we needed them, especially in the finals.”

In other dual finals, Rochester defeated Quincy Notre Dame for third place and Bradley-Bourbonnais defeated Roxana for fifth place. Greenville placed seventh and was awarded the Andy Simpson Team Sportsmanship Award.

BOYS GOLF

Quincy Tourney – Zach Trimpe shot 72 to lead Edwardsville to a third-place finish at the 69th annual Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.

Quincy Notre Dame won the championship with a 381, with O’Fallon second at 388 and Edwardsville third at 399. Quincy (406), Pekin (417), Springfield (429), Rock Island (430), Chatham Glenwood (432), Waterloo (432) and Springfield SHG (434) rounded out the top 10 in a format that used each team’s top five scores.

QND’s Alex McCulla was medalist with a 68, four shots ahead of Trimpe and O’Fallon’s Logan Lowery and Caden Cannon in a three-way tie for second. The Tigers’ Blake Burris carded a 77 to place 10th. Nate Frey (82), Ben Patterson (83) and Trevor Laub (85) completed Edwardsville’s lineup. The Tigers also entered two at-large golfers with Hayden Moore shooting 78 and Ian Bailey at 80.

Alton posted a 451 to finish 15th. The Redbirds scored Dylan Lahue’s 81, Clayton Pilger’s 85, Tyler Hazelwood’s 91, Aiden Keshner’s 94 and Austin Olson’s 100.

Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. The Redbirds’ Ainsley Fortschneider and Molly Gross won a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 doubles to clinch the decisive victory against Althoff.

“They had to win a few tiebreaks today and the last one gave us the tournament,” Alton coach Jesse Macias said. “They showed a lot of grit.”

Redbird grit also showed in a No. 1 doubles defeat to Althoff, whose top entry of Olivia Melichar and Mary Nester won seven of eight doubles matches at the Class 1A state tournament last season to place fifth. Nester and Melichar were taken to the limit by Alton’s Hannah Macias and Maddie Saenz at LCCC before winning an 13-11 tiebreaker after splitting the first two sets.

“Hannah and Maddie played really well all day,” coach Macias said of his top doubles team. “They were 3-1 overall and when you have set points against a team that placed in state a year ago, you should feel good about your game. It was a fantastic match, Althoff is a tough team.”

Alton victories at No. 2 doubles from twins Cali and Mackenzie Giertz and No. 5 doubles from Paige Rockholm and Lexi Mayfield denied Althoff the title.

“Our 5 doubles team did incredible all day,” Macias said. “We had a freshman (Rockholm) and a senior (Mayfield) playing together and they dominated at times.”

Mayfield and Rockholm joined Gross and Fortschneider with a perfect 4-0 day in a tourney that also utilized courts at Alton High and the Simpson Tennis Center at Moore Park in Alton.

Val Walters and Nikki Lowe, who split time at No. 2 and 3 doubles, Saenz and Macias, and the Giertz sisters all posted a 3-1 record in a tourney that saw the Redbirds share the title with Quincy Notre Dame last year.

“The Giertz’s lost their first match of the day,” coach Macias said, “but they gave us wins when we needed them, especially in the finals.”

In other dual finals, Rochester defeated Quincy Notre Dame for third place and Bradley-Bourbonnais defeated Roxana for fifth place. Greenville placed seventh and was awarded the Andy Simpson Team Sportsmanship Award.

BOYS GOLF

Quincy Tourney – Zach Trimpe shot 72 to lead Edwardsville to a third-place finish at the 69th annual Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.

Quincy Notre Dame won the championship with a 381, with O’Fallon second at 388 and Edwardsville third at 399. Quincy (406), Pekin (417), Springfield (429), Rock Island (430), Chatham Glenwood (432), Waterloo (432) and Springfield SHG (434) rounded out the top 10 in a format that used each team’s top five scores.

QND’s Alex McCulla was medalist with a 68, four shots ahead of Trimpe and O’Fallon’s Logan Lowery and Caden Cannon in a three-way tie for second. The Tigers’ Blake Burris carded a 77 to place 10th. Nate Frey (82), Ben Patterson (83) and Trevor Laub (85) completed Edwardsville’s lineup. The Tigers also entered two at-large golfers with Hayden Moore shooting 78 and Ian Bailey at 80.

Alton posted a 451 to finish 15th. The Redbirds scored Dylan Lahue’s 81, Clayton Pilger’s 85, Tyler Hazelwood’s 91, Aiden Keshner’s 94 and Austin Olson’s 100.

Redbirds claim title at Simpson Doubles Invite

Greg Shashack, gshashack@thetelegraph.com

 Published 6:12 pm CDT, Saturday, August 18, 2018

Photo:

Greg Shashack / The Telegraph

IMAGE 1 OF 4

Ainsley Fortschneider hits a shot for a point at the net during the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational girls tennis tournament Saturday at the LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey.

Alton Redbirds girls tennis opened its season with a championship on Saturday in Godfrey. And even in defeat, the Redbirds impressed in the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational.

Alton rolled to dual victories over Greenville 5-0, Rochester 4-1 and Bradley-Bourbonnais 5-0 before edging Belleville Althoff 3-2 in the championship dual at LCCC’s Andy Simpson Tennis Complex. Th