JOHNSTON — The Ottumwa girls tennis team was gunning for its second ever state team appearance on Monday in Indianola.

Des Moines Roosevelt prevented that from happening and advanced to the Final Four at state with a 5-0 shutout win over Dan Staggs’ Bulldogs in the Class 2A Region 2 Final.

Ottumwa qualified for the state team tennis tournament in 1986 and finished fourth with the team of Cathy Ray, Christy Ray, Karen Steele, Stephanie North, Lizzy Drew and Sherri Speer.

“There’s not much to say about this match other than Roosevelt is pretty good,” said Staggs.

Dunja Sarie defeated Ottumwa’s Jana Sandova at No. 1 singles 6-2, 6-2. Roosevelt’s Libby Caris got past Jennifer Palmer at No. 2 singles 6-0, 6-3.

Sandova and Palmer each qualified for state in individual play last week. Roosevelt will send its top six players to the individual/doubles state meet on May 29-30.

Roosevelt defeated Ottumwa in the regular season 11-0 for the Bulldogs’ only conference loss.

Anna Sims topped Laura Schwenk at. No 4 singles 6-0, 6-1 and the Roughriders’ Ellie Nixon defeated Torrie Centeno 6-4, 6-3 at No. 5 singles.

The match at No. 6 singles between Kelly McKay and Ottumwa’s Kayla Wagner was halted after Roosevelt had already wrapped up the match.

Ottumwa ends the year with a dual record of 11-3, the 11th time in the past 13 seasons that Staggs has guided his team to at least 10 victories.

“We were real happy about beating Valley in the regional semifinals. We improved a lot during the season,” said Staggs.

Class 2 Region 2 Final

at Johnston

Monday, May 19, 2008

Des Moines Roosevelt 5, Ottumwa 0