Walther players unable to get win at state tourney

TENNIS-- At least Walther Lutheran didn't go down without a fight at the state tennis tournament on May 28.

The doubles team of Brian Jackson and Dairon Robinson, and Danny Vasser in the singles bracket, were all eliminated in the minimum of two matches.

The two consolation bracket losses each went three sets.

Vasser, the first singles player from Walther to qualify for state, lost 6-1, 6-1 in the opening round to Ian Hinkamper of Notre Dame (Quincy), who was seeded 17-32.

Vasser was much more competitive in the consolation bracket in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Amish Dudeja of Downers Grove South.

"It was a battle of who would make the fewest mistakes," Walther assistant coach Barb Korntheuer said. "Danny played real well the first set. (Dudeja) came on in the second set and the third set was super close. The tide changed several times. Danny was a tad too impatient at times.

"It was a very intense match. It was between two seniors who didn't want their seasons to end. A couple bounces made the difference."

Jackson and Robinson lost 6-0, 6-1 in the opening round to Jake Lapping and Aaron Schenker of Glenbrook North, who were also seeded 17-32.

"We had good draws in the sectional," Walther coach Mark Korntheuer said. "The draws at state were not so good."

The Walther duo also had more success in the consolation bracket in a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 setback against Sam Vaughn and Ben Seadler of Sacred Heart (Springfield).

"It wasn't a case of us being dominant in that first set," Mark Korntheuer said. "The other kids made so many unforced errors. They got some confidence back in the second set and really turned it on in the third. In the third set we made too many unforced, silly mistakes. The other team was in control in the second and third sets."