The Lady Black Bears tennis squad arrived in Topeka with the goal of continuing their streak of bringing home at least one state title. The team did so in doubles, finishing fourth overall.
Lauren Rowland entered the State Tournament as the eight seed. After a tough opening match against a young lady from Silver Lake, she had to battle back through the back side of the bracket. In her next match, Lauren outlasted a player from Classical School of Wichita 8-6. But things didn't get any easier. In a demonstration of determination, she defeated a singles player from Russel 9-7. Unfortunately, the Ellsworth opponent won 8-2. This loss didn't eliminate her from the tournament, but it left her to compete for 7th place among 24 singles participants. In the end, Emma finished where she started: eighth.
For the doubles team of Danika Zimmerman and Emma Lewis, it was a successful day. The ladies entered the tournament as the second overall seed behind a doubles team from Ellsworth. The duo won their quarterfinal match 6-1, 6-0. Next, they faced a Central Plains team in the semifinals. The girls won that match 6-1, 6-4. Then, on the doorstep of a State Championship, Danika and Emma would face an Ellsworth doubles team that had beaten them earlier in the season. Perseverance pays off! With a commanding 6-2, 6-2 score, the ladies won the 2026 3-2-1A State Championship.
Congratulations to each of the girls and their coaches!