Kathryn Wilson
INDIANAPOLIS — Kathryn Wilson needs two wins today to become a state champion.
The Columbus North junior won her match against West Lafayette Harrison’s Emma Gu 6-2, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the girls tennis state singles tournament at Park Tudor.
Wilson (21-0) now moves on to face Fishers sophomore Mischa Briggs (20-1) in the semifinals at 10 a.m. today. The final is slated for 2 p.m.
“(Wilson) really hit her ground strokes well today. Emma is a very good player, and they were battling back-and-forth, back-and-forth, and Kathryn kept putting the pressure back right back on her and kept one more ball in play and just tried to wear her down where she got a little frustrated and eventually made a mistake here or there that made the difference,” North coach Kendal Hammel said. “Kathryn, overall, her percentage of second serves was really good and just solid ground strokes was probably the biggest thing. Emma threw a lot of different stuff in to her, but Kathryn made the adjustment each time. She played very well. I was pleased with what she did.”
In the other semifinal, it will be Park Tudor junior Caitlin Van Winkle (7-5) taking on South Bend St. Joseph junior Molly Bellia (11-0) at 10 a.m.
Before getting to the championship, Wilson must defeat Briggs.
“Mischa is a total different style of game. Mischa is a cut, slice, no-rhythm type player at all. She doesn’t put a lot of balls away, but she will cut you, chop the ball back, lob the ball and wear you down in that situation,” Hammel said. “Kathryn will have to be patient. She still has to be the aggressor and that’s what she’s been doing,” Hammel said. “She’s going to have to be the one to have to put Mischa in a defensive situation and maybe try to come in and close the net off a little bit more on these balls and slices. It’s being patient and understanding what’s coming back at you. It’s not going to be a hard ball like today’s was.”
