Glen Strandberg
Sports Editor

So far it hasnít mattered if the girls tennis team is in a close match, or a blowout, or a contest that is moderately difficult. They win. And after Tuesday's 4-3 victory over Roseville, the Rangers have done it again.

ìIt was such a nerve-wracking match," head coach Greg Patchin shared. "At times I thought we'd win easily, and then again, at times I thought we were done."

The marquis match-up pitted two of the state's best seniors, with Paige Patchin taking on Roseville's Deborah Barany. It started out completely one-sided at 0-6, 0-3 in favor of Barany. Paige Patchin then changed her strategy and mounted a huge comeback to take the second set. The third set went to a tie breaker where Barany was able to win 6-7 (4). Even coach Patchin was surprised by some of Paige's shot-making abilities.

"Her forehand was unbelievable and she was smacking winners all over the court. Incredible, high-level match."

The other battle came in No. 2 doubles as Forest Lake's Kathy Crudo and Cassie Carpenter fought their way through two match points in the second set, and then sailed away with a 6-0 victory in the third.

Other winners for the Rangers were Quinne Patchin at No. 2 singles, 6-0, 6-3; Lauren Gravelle at No. 3 singles, 6-1, 6-3 and Audrey Hanmer at No. 4 singles, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4.

The girls head to Stillwater on Thursday and coach Patchin is anxious to see how the team meets that challenge.

"We need to play with the same intensity..We need to get in the habit of playing well after a bus ride."

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