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Tweaking Grand Island Central Catholic's starting lineup appears to be paying early dividends for the Crusader girls and coach Matt Westfall.
Playing in their second event since making a few changes, the GICC tennis team swept Hastings St. Cecilia 9-0 Thursday in an indoor dual at the Grand Island Racquet Center.
"This is our second match with our new lineup and everybody seems like they're in the right spot," Westfall said. "Everybody, No. 1 through No. 6, played well today.
"Now what we're trying to do over the next eight or nine matches is build up our seeding resume and get the highest seeds possible."
The win improved Central Catholic to 3-1 in dual meets this season. The Crusaders' only dual loss was a 5-4 setback against Kearney Catholic.
After some experimentation earlier this season, Westfall decided to team Hannah Bolton and Jessica Wojcik at No. 1 doubles and Jessica Bender and Ashley Chalupa at No. 2 doubles.
The Crusaders also have Kiran Hamik playing No. 1 singles and Nicole Jacobson at No. 2 singles.
GICC dominated the Hawkettes at nearly every position. Wojcik (No. 4 singles), Chalupa (No. 5 singles) and the tandem of Bolton and Wojcik (No. 1 doubles) all won by 8-0 margins. Bolton (No. 3 singles) and Bender (No. 6 singles) both recorded 8-1 victories.
Due to storm that produced rain and snow in Grand Island, the dual was played with no-advantage scoring to shorten the matches. Westfall said the Crusaders responded well to the change.
"It's obviously different because if it gets to three all, then the next point decides who wins and loses the game," Westfall said. "We had been playing that way in practice to put pressure on the girls, so it worked out pretty well. They were used to it and understood how to play that way."
Despite bad weather frequently altering GICC's practice schedule, Westfall said he's been pleased with the way the Crusaders have maintained their momentum so far this season.
"They've made a lot of progress with the starts and the stops due to the weather and with the adjustments," Westfall said. "I think they're all coming around at the right time.
"I'm really pleased with them so far. This is a young team, but it's a team with a lot of potential and we're starting to realize that potential."
Westfall said the Crusaders should get an even better idea of how they stack up against the other Class B teams in the state. GICC plays in a dual at Adams Central Tuesday and then travels to the Lincoln Pius X Invitational on April 19.
"We'll learn a lot about our team next week and especially next weekend at the Pius Invite," Westfall said. "It's going to be some very good competition and we'll kind of know what's out there."
GICC 9, Hastings St. Cecilia 0
Singles
No. 1 Kiran Hamik, GICC, def. Lindy McDowell, HSC, 8-4.
No. 2 Nicole Jacobson, GICC, def. Christina Einsel, HSC, 8-6.
No. 3 Hannah Bolton, GICC, def. Bailey Mangers, HSC, 8-1.
No. 4 Jessica Wojcik, GICC, def. Heather Perry, HSC, 8-0.
No. 5 Ashley Chalupa, GICC, def. Stephanie Connelly, HSC, 8-0.
No. 6 Jessica Bender, GICC, def. Brooke Busboom, HSC, 8-1.
Doubles
No. 1 Bolton/Wojcik, GICC, def. Einsel/Mangers, HSC, 8-0.
No. 2 Chalupa/Bender, GICC, def. Perry/McDowell, HSC, 8-3.
No. 3 Hamik/Jacobson, GICC, def. Connelly/Miller, HSC, 8-4.
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