PHILLIPSBURG — The Central Plains High School Lady Oilers tennis team placed first in regional play Oct. 11-12 at Phillipsburg. Lady Oiler Emily Ryan finished first in singles action, winning the regional meet.

The Ellsworth High School Lady ‘Cats took second place while singles player Stephanie Soukup placed seventh, just missing competing at state. The top six finishers move on.

Central Plains finished with 19 points, with Ellsworth finishing with 10 points. Beloit was third with six points, and Colby fourth with three points.

In the first round of singles, Ellsworth’s Cassie Most was defeated by Hoisington, while Ashlyn Armstrong of Central Plains defeated her opponent from Russell.

In the second round, Ryan won against Phillipsburg, while Soukup won against Norton Community. Armstrong was defeated by Phillipsburg.

In the third round, it was the Lady Oilers vs. the Lady ‘Cats when Ryan and Soukup took to the court against each other with Ryan coming out with the win. Ryan was also victorious in the fourth round, beating Victoria. In the finals, Ryan beat Beloit to take first place. Ryan’s 2019 record is 29-0. She has placed second at state for the past two years.

In doubles action, Lady Oilers Bryanna Hammeke and Kyla Metro (26-4) took first, with Lady ‘Cats Jaycee Cunningham and Jaide Talbott (19-5) second. Lady O’s Zoe Potter and Jennah Jeffrey (25-7) was third, with Maggie Windholz and Nicole Haase (15-6) from Ellsworth fifth.

Next up is the 3-2-1A state tournament Oct. 18 and 19 at Prairie Village-Harmon Park Tennis Complex in Prairie Village. Play begins Friday and continues Saturday.