Glen Strandberg
Sports Editor

So far this season, whatever the opposition has served up, the Forest Lake tennis team has returned to sender with a big, fat Rangers “W” next to it.

From 4-3 team wins to 7-0 shutouts, the Forest Lake girls are unbeaten in 2007 as they host Cretin-Derham Hall on Sept. 6, before heading to Roseville on Tuesday.

The most recent victory goes back to Thursday, Aug. 30, where the Rangers had a strong Hastings squad waiting for them.

With three of four singles matches going to the Raiders, head coach Greg Patchin was happy to see his No. 3 player, Audrey Hanmer pick up a key victory.

“It was a classic battle between Hastings singles strength and our doubles,”Patchin noted in an e-mail. “Early in the match it looked as though we would lose another match at Hastings, but our doubles prevailed and Hanmer does what she does best — win.

With Hanmer prevailing to keep it 1-3, the Forest Lake doubles pulled through with a perfect 3-for-3 afternoon to give the Rangers the 4-3 win.

“This was an intense match where the girls just found a way to win, Patchin shared. “Captain (Kathy) Crudo returned from illness, shook off the rust and picked up a point at No. 3 doubles. That was huge. Awesome team win.”

Before the trip to Hastings, the girls were in Coon Rapids on Aug. 27 and swept the Cardinals, 7-0. All seven matches lasted only two sets, and with Crudo ailing, Jamila Cheikh teamed with Tisa Phinney at No. 3 doubles for an 8-3, 6-1 victory.

“We could be pretty good in a couple of weeks,” Patchin said.

After facing Cretin, the next home match for the Rangers will be Thursday, Aug. 13, when Stillwater comes to town in what should be another tight Suburban East Conference contest.

Rangers 4, Hastings 3

SINGLES: Quinne Patchin lost to Taylor Reiners 6-1, 6-3; Lauren Gravelle lost to Kelsey Tjornsland 6-4, 5-7 (10-5); Hanmer d. Shanna Burgmeier 6-4, 6-3; Kristi Miller lost to Lindsey Reinsch 6-0, 6-1 DOUBLES: Charise Kendrick/Brianna Odegaard d. Jess Andersen/Natalie Arnold 7-6, 6-2; Blair Patchin/Sammy Holien d. Rachel Allgor/Kirsten Petersen 6-2, 6-4; Crudo/ Phinney d. Joni Johnson/Lauren Lafavor 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Rangers 7, Coon Rapids 0

SINGLES: Q. Patchin d. Alicia Vargas; Gravelle d. Jenn Yelle 6-3, 5-4; Hanmer d. Kateie Schroepfer 6-3, 6-1; Miller d. Susie Lideman 6-3, 6-3 DOUBLES: Kendrick/Odegaard d. Dani Beck/Shelby Bridear 6-0, 6-1; B. Patchin/Holien d. Chris Golliet/Ash Zimmel 6-2, 6-2; Cheikh/Phinney d. Libby Storrick/Brianna Havelka 8-3, 6-1.

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