Queens & Aces: 2009 OHSAA Girls Tennis State Tournament Preview

Brian Day, OHSAA Sports Information Intern, October 13, 2009 4:31 p.m.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio - The 34th annual girls tennis state tournament begins next Friday, Oct. 23, and for the 34th consecutive year, the top high school tennis players in Ohio will come to the Ohio State University to play for a state title. The first two rounds will again be held at the Stickney Tennis Center on the campus of Ohio State, while the semifinals and finals Saturday will move to Hilliard Davidson High School due to a home Ohio State football game.

"The two facilities are top-notch for high school tennis," said Ken Kaiser, who is in his 28th year as tournament manager of the state girls tennis championships. "The Stickney Center has a perfect setup for this tournament with its central location, 12 quality courts, and bleachers to accommodate the fans. We are also happy to have one of the better high school facilities in the state in Hilliard Davidson to use for the second day."

Dedicated in 1993, the Stickney Tennis Center at Ohio State is surrounded by trees and a perimeter fence, making the facility both fan and player friendly. This won't be the first time a part of the state tournament will be held at Hilliard Davidson High School either as the school played host as recently as 2007. Spectators are encouraged to bring extra seating for the final two rounds at Hilliard Davidson.

In the unfortunate circumstance of poor weather for the weekend, the tournament will still be in good hands with a move to the Elysium Indoor Tennis Center in Plain City.

"Obviously, we hope we have good weather and won't have to use Elysium," said Kaiser. "But it's a great indoor facility with overhead seating and good sightlines for fans."

Last year's championships saw Mentor junior Kara Sherwood win the Div. I singles title and freshman Lauren Davis of Gates Mills Gilmour Academy get past defending champion Gabby Steele of Cincinnati Summit Country Day for the Div. II crown. Ashleigh Witte and Amanda Lin of West Chester Lakota West (Div. I) and Christina Raymond and Val Micek of Gahanna Columbus Academy (Div. II) took home doubles hardware. All four titles a year ago were firsts for their schools in girls tennis. 

Play begins October 23 at 9:00 a.m. at the Ohio State Stickney Tennis Center. Div. I singles players will square off first followed by Div. II singles, Div. I doubles, and Div. II doubles. Admission is $8 per day.