Comet netters fall to Vikings, 9-0, in belated opener

By John Burbridge sports@charlescitypress.com

DECORAH — It only came with a couple of sprinkles … insignificant flakes that dematerialized the instant they hit the court.

With any luck, the flurry that was gone in a hurry will represent the last snowfall of what has been a white-coated spring.

Anyway, it didn’t have a snowball’s chance in … let’s say … the month of May of postponing or stopping a belated season-opener for the Charles City Comets and the hosting Decorah Vikings girls tennis teams on Tuesday.

“It feels great to finally get outside and play,” said Comet senior Mackenzie Wilson. “I’m happy just to get a game in.”

Though the temperatures ranged from the mid-30s to the lower-40s, the overcast day was sans of much wind-chill. Still, many of the players dressed like they were ready to go cross-country skiing, donning wool hats and gloves.

“Really, this is the first time we’ve been outside,” said Charles City coach Brian Parrott, who has been petitioning for an indoor tennis facility in the city for several years. “You’d like to get in at least a few outdoor practices before your first meet.”

The Comet girls have been practicing and hitting in the old high school gymnasium during the preseason.

“But it’s real hard when you got other sports practicing in there,” Wilson said.

Decorah, which placed second at the North Central Tennis Conference Tournament to hosting Waverly-Shell Rock, swept Charles City in both varsity singles and doubles matches to win the meet 9-0.

In No. 1 singles, Carina Yee defeated Comet junior Jodie Sindlinger 6-3, 6-1.

In No. 2 singles, Vita Domnenko defeated Comet junior Amy Boggess 6-1, 6-1.

In No. 3 singles, Mara Frieden defeated Wilson 6-1, 6-0.

In No. 4 singles, May Herrman defeated Taylor Walters 6-2, 6-2.

In No. 5 singles, Allison Groux defeated Kayla Kellogg 6-0, 6-0.

In No. 6 singles, Soleil Smith defeated Jacie Wink 6-0, 6-1.

In No. 1 doubles, Yee and Domnenko defeated Boggess and Sindlinger 6-1, 6-0.

In No. 2 doubles, Frieden and Herrman defeated Wilson and Walters 6-1, 6-3.

In No. 3 doubles, Groux and Josie Kleckner defefeated Kellogg and Wink 6-1, 6-0.