Ellsworth senior Nicole Haase ended her high school tennis career Saturday with a second place finish at the 3-2-1A State Tennis Championships at the Maize South High School Tennis Complex at Wichita.

Head coach Eric Anderson said the road to the championship game was paved with talent.

“Nicole was the tournament’s overall No. 2 seed going in, but had the most difficult route to get to the state championship match, as all four of her opponents placed in the top 12 (Kice of Wichita Classical placed 12th, Conrad of Wichita Collegiate placed 5th, Meier of Wichita Independent placed 3rd, and Mantovani of Wichita Collegiate placed 1st).

“Nicole played her best tennis at the right time of the season! She had two back to back 3-hour, 3-set matches, between Friday night and Saturday morning where she was not only tested physically, but mentally as well, and she was able to gut it out.

“She is a tremendous young lady who has a never say die attitude, a tremendous work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the heart of a champion.

“I am so proud of Nicole for her success this season!”

Haase, who ended the season with a 29-3 record, earned a ticket to state by winning a first in singles at regional. The Lady Bearcats were regional runnersup.

Anderson thinks the future is bright for Lady ‘Cats tennis.

“We had to replace six seniors from last year’s 3rd Place 3-2-1A state tennis team and four spots on the varsity team. With Nicole as our leader both on and off of the tennis court, the younger ladies were able to step in and learn what it takes to be successful. I look forward to what the future brings for this young team.”

Also in state singles action, Kyla Metro of Central Plains defeated Dawes of Hesston to place 7th.

Overall, it was business as usual for the Collegiate girls tennis team on Saturday, claiming its 11th straight team state championship by winning the singles and doubles titles at the Class 3-2- 1A tournament.