Lady Whippets wrap up fourth straight MOAC title

Back at the start of the season, the other schools in the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference felt Shelby would be due for a down year since they returned very little varsity tennis experience.

The Lady Whippets had graduated six seniors from a team that went 12-0 in the MOAC and won 18 of 19 outings.

Besides the inexperience, SHS was also homeless for the first half of the season as their courts were being rebuilt. Trips to Marshall Park in Ontario were the norm for practice and the red and gray didn’t have their first home match of the season until September 6.

Despite all that seemed to be against the team, Shelby persevered. Did they ever.

The Whippets clinched their fourth consecutive MOAC crown Wednesday by besting Clear Fork 5-0.

“The girls clinched the title tonight. A great way to finish a magical season,” said SHS coach Jeff Kurtzman, who is in his 19th season of directing the program and has amassed a record of 267-114 in that time.

“With only one varsity player, no team in the MOAC thought we could contend. The girls hard work and focus made it happen. I am very proud of their accomplishment,” beamed Kurtzman.

Shelby boosted its conference ledger to 11-0 and stands at 15-2 on the year. The red and gray have captured 11 straight matches as well as an invitational title in Bucyrus since a 3-2 loss to Ashland back on August 24.

An even more impressive streak is that the Whippets have knocked off 39 consecutive MOAC opponents. Their last loss in the conference was a 3-2 verdict to Marion Harding on September 12, 2019.

Shelby’s record since joining the MOAC in 2019 is 46-1.

Results of the match with Clear Fork were:

No. 1 singles — Annie Mahek, S, def.

Jessica Farnsworth 6-0, 6-1.

No. 2 singles — Mckenna Baker, S, def. Emily Montgomery 6-0, 6-0.

No. 3 singles — Zada Marquis, S, def. Mckenna Wuertz 6-0, 6-0.

No. 1 doubles — Kayla Niese and Alexis Mcclain, S, def. Sophia Wilson and Aly Brokaw 6-1, 6-0.

No. 2 doubles — Clear Fork forfeited to Shelby. “Everyone played smart, focused matches tonight,” said Kurtzman.

Because of a lack of players on the Clear Fork roster, no junior varsity matches were contested.

Next up for the Whippets is the MOAC Tournament which will take place at Lakewood Racquet Club in Lexington. Doubles will be played Thursday and singles will be contested Saturday.

SHS then travels to the Toledo area Tuesday for a match in the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association team tournament against Maumee Valley Country Day.