PHOTO PROVIDED - The Marshalltown boys’ tennis team poses with its Class 2A state qualifier banner and participant trophy after Wednesday’s substate finals and state quarterfinals in Ames. Pictured, from left, are: Gavin Jablonski, Kevin Strand, Nile Christensen, Colin Schmit, Jacob Thiessen and Jason Strand.

AMES — A once-lonely trophy now has plenty of company.

The Marshalltown boys’ tennis team won its Class 2A substate final for the second year in a row, advancing to the first round of the state tournament before falling to a higher-ranked opponent.

The sixth-ranked Bobcats collected their second straight 2A State Team Tennis qualifier trophy and banner by beating Ames 5-0 in the best-of-nine format, but third-rated Waukee Northwest ended Marshalltown’s run by the same decisive margin.

Neither match made it into doubles play as the first-to-five format was decided before either contest got that far.

“Super proud of our effort today,” said MHS head coach James Christensen. “We absolutely had our ‘A’ game against Ames in the first match. We couldn’t really sustain that level against a really good Waukee Northwest team, but everyone really laid it all out there.”

The Bobcats breezed through rival Ames, 5-0, with five straight-set singles victories. Kevin Strand defeated Tharun Raju 6-2, 6-2, and Jason Strand was a 6-3, 6-1 winner over Jixiang Li.

Gavin Jablonski scored a 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Derek Peng at No. 3 singles, and Nile Christensen staved off Tim Hanulik, 7-5, 6-2, at No. 4. Colin Schmit capped off the match with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Hayden Sinclair at No. 5.

The only singles match that didn’t reach completion was at No. 6, where Marshalltown’s Jacob Thiessen won the opening set 7-5 over Akshay Sorda.

Having lost 9-2 to Waukee Northwest during the regular season, Marshalltown knew it had its hands full with the No. 3 Wolves.

The Bobcats put up a good fight but fell in each set to reach its end. Kaden Taylor took down Kevin Strand, 6-3, 6-2, and Jason Strand was trailing 6-1, 5-4, to Kellan Croatt when the outcome was decided.

Jake Nelson knocked off Jablonski, 6-2, 6-3, and Drew Fenton toppled Nile Christensen 6-4, 6-2. Swaroop Panda posted a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Schmit, and Sean Sonoiki closed it out with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Thiessen.

“Waukee Northwest has no juniors or seniors,” coach Christensen said. “They are going to be a nightmare in the coming years.”

For now, Marshalltown’s main focus will be the 2A state singles and doubles tournament May 24-25 at Veterans Memorial Tennis Center in Cedar Rapids. The Bobcats qualified Kevin Strand in singles as well as the doubles team of Schmit and Jason Strand.

Marshalltown 5, Ames 0

Singles

Kevin Strand (MHS) def. Tharun Raju, 6-2, 6-2

Jason Strand (MHS) def. Jixiang Li, 6-3, 6-1

Gavin Jablonski (MHS) def. Derek Peng, 6-2, 6-1

Nile Christensen (MHS) def. Tim Hanulik, 7-5, 6-2

Colin Schmit (MHS) def. Hayden Sinclair, 6-2, 6-2

Waukee Northwest 5, Marshalltown 0

Singles

Kaden Taylor (WNW) def. Kevin Strand, 6-3, 6-2

Jake Nelson (WNW) def. Jablonski, 6-2, 6-3

Drew Fenton (WNW) def. Christensen, 6-4, 6-2

Swaroop Panda (WNW) def. Schmit, 6-1, 6-4

Sean Sonoiki (WNW) def. Jacob Thiessen, 6-4, 6-4