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PLEASANT HILL -- The Southeast Polk girls tennis team took advantage of its second chance against a shorthanded Marshalltown lineup, knocking off the Bobcats 9-2 in the rematch of their first meeting a week ago.
Marshalltown (4-5) outlasted the Rams 6-5 in their showdown seven days earlier at the Hawkette Invite in Ankeny, but the absence of the Bobcats' top singles player was too much for MHS to overcome.
The Bobcats got a singles win from Hanna Osgood at No. 2, knocking off Jordan Evans 8-5, but Southeast Polk (1-6) won the rest of the singles bouts.
Osgood teamed with Kaelyn Coleman for a win at No. 1 doubles as well, beating Evans and Claire Williams 8-6.
"With Kate out, Kaelyn, Hanna and the whole squad had to step up and be ready for the challenge," said MHS head coach James Christensen. "We just beat these guys last week, so it was fun to try and do it again with everyone playing up a spot. The girls weren't scared at all and fought hard.
"Hanna especially showed some moxie with two wins. Her tennis IQ is really high right now, she really understands how to attack girls."
Marshalltown won at least four games in six of their nine losses, including an 8-7 setback for Coleman at No. 1 against Williams. Karolina Cross came within 8-5 of Kadie Cech at No. 3 singles, but the Bobcats' adjusted lineup couldn't keep up with the elevation in competition.
Christensen pointed to the 8-4 losses of his Nos. 4-5 doubles teams as well for their growth and grit.
Melanie Sardina Hernandez and Devinny Stolzman were edged out by Emily Wall and Cydney Rouse at No. 4 doubles, while Airi Hoven and Faith Rasmussen lost to Audra Doty and Ainsley Brunner by the same score.
"Our 4 and 5 doubles girls continue to learn and make adjustments," Christensen said. "They have some great flashes, so we're just working on consistency."
Marshalltown is back at home on Monday for a triangular including Boone at Des Moines Hoover starting at 10 a.m. at the Marshalltown Court Complex.