The University of Okoboji McDonald’s Junior Tennis Classic took place over the weekend in Spencer, and several area athletes enjoyed successful matches. On the boy’s side, Spencer’s Alex Kaldahl defeated Hunter Andresen of Estherville (6-3, 6-2) to take the 14-and-under singles consolation title. The 18-and-under singles tournament saw Michael Gabhart of Spencer fall to Alexander Brada from Marshalltown (4-6, 6-3, 16-14) in a tiebreaker and finish in second. The consolation final in that division was won by Luke Kaldahl of Spencer as he ousted Garen Merritt from Sioux City (retired due to injury). No playoff was need to find a winner in the 16-and-under division, as Carter Lindner from Worthington, MN rolled through the competition to go 3-0 in round robin play for the championship. The same can be said for the doubles tandem of Gabhart and Jordan Plueger, both of Spencer, as they went undefeated in the round robin portion to finish atop the medal stand.
In girl’s competition, the 12-and-under crown went to Irey Sandholdt from Spirit Lake after her win over Sioux City’s Kari Swanson (6-3, 2-6, 13-11) in a tiebreaker. Hannah Holmberg of Lakefield, MN and KJ Veldman from Spirit Lake both secured their championships without suffering a loss in round robin play for the 14-and-under and 18-and-under divisions, respectively. The lone doubles tournament ended with Rebecca Owens of Spirit Lake and Holmberg combining to defeat Kari and Trina Swanson from Sioux City (6-3, 6-4).
The tournament is run by the United States Tennis Association.
