BALDWIN — Doing something they’ve never done, the Chanute Blue Comets have firmly established themselves as contenders in the girls tennis scene.
On Wednesday, the Blue Comets took the team title at the Baldwin Invitation amongst a field that included Independence, Parsons and Hayden.
“It’s really something,” Chanute head coach Jeff Smith said. “We haven’t ever done it, as far as I know. We haven’t lost a tournament yet this year. It’s kind of crazy. We’ve got goals for the postseason. We’re just looking at things one day at a time.”
Ella Guernsey went 5-0 to win the No. 1 singles division. She’s currently undefeated at 17-0 on the year.
“She’s having an absolutely incredible year,” Smith said. “When I took this job this summer, she was already a really good player. There were a few things we added to her game. She’s the most coachable kid ever and it’s a blessing. And now she’s a problem for everybody else.”
Sarah Uhner claimed third place at No. 2 singles, going 4-1.
“She was in a really tough pool and I’m proud that she got out of it,” Smith said. “She just rolled. She’s one of the best athletes in our school. And she’s new to tennis. But she’s coming along great.”
At No. 1 doubles, J.J. Smooth and Leah Burnett went 2-2 and didn’t escape pool play.
“That was the gauntlet today. Doubles had nine state qualifiers in the pool and a few state medalists,” Smith said. “They did very well. They gave Independence their toughest match of the day. We didn’t play up to our potential. But I was happy with how they competed.”
As for No. 2 doubles, Ashtyn Cummings and Kanika Marcoux went 3-1 to take first place.
“They had an awesome day,” Smith said. “They were playing a Parsons team for first place. They didn’t have lights at the facility and Parsons was winning, 4-3, when they called the match. So we just shared first place. That helped us get the team title. That whole pool was brutal.”
With the hot start to the campaign, Chanute’s roster have turned into true believers.
“All we’re thinking about is league,” Smith said. “The girls are trying to do something we haven’t done since the 1990s. I told the girls to look at the banner and I told them they have a chance to do something special. We’ll find a way to get that job done.”
