Decorah Viking boys tennis team's first home meet of the year produces a victory over Waverly-Shell Rock

The Decorah Viking boys tennis team finally got to play at their first home meet of the year over the weekend after numerous rain-outs. The result was a hard-fought 7-2 win over Waverly Shell-Rock. After a nearly 2-hour delay because of wet courts, the team started with doubles action. The number 1 team of Caden Branum and Daniel Skrade once again showed their experience with an 8-0 win. Number 2 and 3 doubles were close matches when the rain started to fall and the matches had to be suspended. After deciding to take the matches indoors at Luther College, which is a tough adjustment, the number 2 team of Landon Baker and Brendan Hunter fell 3-8 while the number 3 team of Aidan Nalean-Carlson and Liam Chamberlain fought to an 8-6 win. Singles matches are usually played first, but in this case, matches started at different times and on different courts than the normal order. The boys adjusted well to new conditions, delays, and an all-around chaotic day winning 5 of the 6 singles matches. Brendan Hunter, the lone Viking senior, started slow but really showed up using his experience to rally from 1-4 down to take #4 singles 8-6. Coach Matt Anderson said, "I was really proud of the team and the many leaders who cheered, rallied each other on, and took care of business as the coaches were often spending time cleaning courts, moving from outdoors to indoors, etc. managing what was a hectic stressful day." Singles scores: Caden Branum - 8-0 Daniel Skrade - 8-3 Landon Baker - 8-4 Brendan Hunter - 8-5 Michael Njus - 7-9 Liam Chamberlain - 8-3 Doubles scores: Caden Branum/Daniel Skrade - 8-0 Landon Baker/Michael Njus - 3-8 Aidan Nalean-Carlson/Liam Chamberlain - 8-6