Vikings cruise to crown

Updated: May 25, 2011 10:49PM

PORTAGE — It’s no wonder Katie McDonald was ecstatic to finish first Wednesday.

Valparaiso’s No. 3 singles player hasn’t exactly had it easy her last two outings.

Last week, to win the Portage Sectional over Chesterton, match-point rested upon her shoulders. And then, came Tuesday’s semifinals of the Portage Regional. With two points looming, and the Vikings trailing Michigan City 2-1, McDonald battled through an adverse second set to clinch the tying point.

So, with Wednesday’s 6-0, 6-0 victory, which ignited the Vikings 5-0 regional victory over Hobart, McDonald finally got to exhale.

“It feels great,” the senior said. “Last night it was a tough match and being able to finish quickly today is a great feeling.”

Then, coincidently enough, the No. 2 doubles team, which won in three sets Tuesday to send the Vikings into the championship, won 6-2, 6-2 moments later. In fact, Valparaiso snagged all three of its deciding tallies just minutes apart. The No. 1 doubles team of Ali Hauser and Lauren Kammerer capped the rush in a 6-3, 6-1 outcome.

“We’ll finally get to cheer on the one and two singles, who we never get to see play,” Sonja Schaefer, one half of the No. 2 doubles team with Amanda Stolarz, said with a chuckle.

The cheering was for the freshman twin sisters: Kelly Kennedy (who won at No. 1 singles 6-2, 7-5) and Caitlin Kennedy (who took the No. 2 singles point, 6-2, 6-2).

Vikings (15-4) coach Tim Shideler noted signs of improvement.

“I think they came out and played really focused today,” he said. “It looked like we played with a little more confidence today and maybe they earned that yesterday.”

For Hobart’s (10-10) No. 1 singles player, Reena Childers, the loss was bittersweet. According to the senior, this was the program’s first regional final appearance. At the start of the second set, she had a 3-1 lead.

“I’m not disappointed with my loss,” she said. “I’m glad I played hard and got as far as I could.”

In individual singles play, Chesterton’s Bobbi Modesto made quick work of Michigan City’s Brooke Foltz, 6-1, 6-0. This is her first time advancing without a team, but the Trojans were still rooting her on at Portage.

“They’re all still here and besides everyone playing and being in uniform... they’re all still here,” she said. “I kept the lead and coach Tom (Bour) told me, ‘You get the lead, put the foot on the gas.’ ”

MC’s No. 1 team of Lauren Palmer and Ashley Ellenwood took a 6-0, 6-0 victory the doubles tournament.

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