November 2019 | Vol. 5 Iss. 11
FREE
HIGHLAND GIRLS TENNIS CLAIMS REGION 6 TITLE By Josh McFadden | josh@mycityjournals.com
D
espite losing one of its top players before the season began, the Highland girls tennis team took home the top prize in region play, winning the Region 6 tournament Oct. 3. Highland faced stiff competition from East but edged out the Leopards for the top spot in the league. It was the first region championship for the Rams since 1993. Not bad for a team that placed last in its region just two years ago. Head coach Jeanine Elsholz is thrilled with the accomplishment and credits her players and coaching staff for attaining this height. “Reaching this milestone is a big deal for us,” she said. “To see this much success in such a short time has been very exciting for us as a school. It definitely confirms that as a program we are headed in the right direction. It was rewarding for me to see the girls so happy and excited about winning it all. Not many teams get to experience the feeling of winning a championship, and I am so happy for them! It takes a lot of work to turn a program around, and we never would have been able to do it without the help of my sons, Brevin and Christopher Elsholz. They donate their time in helping these kids improve and have been a big part of Highland’s success.” Based on regular season results, Highland held a twopoint advantage over second place East going into the tournament. In the tournament, the two teams had the same number of points, but the cushion from earlier matches helped the Rams prevail. On the first day of the tournament, the Rams won nine of the 10 matches, moving four of their five positions into the championship match the following day. Second doubles play-
The Highland girls tennis team placed first in Region 6 and eighth in Class 5A. From left: Sam Kiburtz, Emma Thomas, Sophie Hastings, Lucy Foulks, Janie Ontiveros, Abby Bradford, Kate Creamer. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Mauro)
ers Janie Ontiveros and Emma Thomas placed first in their bracket. First singles player Sophie Hastings, who was the team’s second singles player a year ago, anchored the team all season and wound up first at the region tournament. “With very few exceptions, [Hastings’] matches were all convincing wins,” Elsholz said. “She is one of the most talented players in the state on the court and is one of the kindest off. She represents Highland and everything we stand for so well.” Second singles competitor Lucy Foulks also scored some key points for the Rams, including a big win over a talented
foe from East in the second round. First doubles teammates Abby Bradford and Sam Kirburtz pulled off what Elsholz said was “the biggest comeback I have ever been a part of.” After losing convincingly in set No. 1, the duo then got down 5-2 in the second set before holding off several match points. They won the next five games to take the second set and then completed the turnaround with a quick win in the third set to dispatch the opposition from Skyline. At third singles, Kate Creamer also contributed all season long and was consistent and dependable for the Rams. Continued page 3
UTAH’S #1 SEWER COMPANY
FREE DRAIN INSPECTION
…UNCLOG IT FOR $39
Call Today 801-758-2095 for a Free Estimate www.utahsdraincleaner.com
$39 Drain Cleaning Second Opinion on FREE your Main Sewer Line FREE Camera Inspection For homeowners only. One coupon per household. Not valid with other any offers. Expires 11/30/19
For homeowners only. One coupon per household. Not valid with other any offers. Expires 11/30/19
Licensed • Insured • Bonded • Over 50 Years Experience Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
For homeowners only. One coupon per household. Not valid with other any offers. Expires 11/30/19
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190