‘I knew this would be a tough match’: Jaguars fall to Waukee in quarterfinals

Ankeny Centennial’s Chris Ceplecha gets ready to serve the ball during his No. 4 singles match against Waukee’s Ayden Fletcher in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A state team tournament on Saturday at Ankeny. Fletcher posted a 6-2, 6-0 win to help the Warriors to a 5-1 victory. (Photo by Dan Holm)

Ankeny Centennial boys’ tennis coach Tami Lewton knew it wasn’t going to be easy for her team to avenge a 9-2 loss at Waukee on April 27.

She was right.

The Warriors posted a 5-1 victory over Centennial in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A state team tournament on Saturday at Ankeny. The Jaguars finished the season with a 9-5 dual record.

“I knew this would be a tough match,” Lewton said. “On paper, our way through was to win at No. 1, No. 2 and No. 6. We fought hard at those numbers, but only pulled it off at No. 2. Caleb (Peterson) had a nice win and a little retribution from his loss during the season. It was really great to see him play that well. It sets him up great for state next week.”

Peterson posted a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Kaden Taylor. He had lost to Taylor, 6-3, 7-5, last month.

**Ankeny Centennial’s Wesley Clark hits a forehand return during his No. 6 singles match against Waukee’s Sai Rayasam. Rayasam posted a 6-4, 6-2 triumph. (Photo by Dan Holm)**

At No. 1 singles, Waukee’s Will Ecklund posted a 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 victory over Centennial’s Will Blevins. He avenged a 6-2, 6-4 loss to Blevins last month.

Blevins will compete in the Class 2A singles tournament on Friday and Saturday in Cedar Rapids. Peterson and Nic Mackaman have qualified in doubles.

Here are the match-by-match results:

Waukee 5, Centennial 1

Singles–Ecklund beat Blevins, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2; Peterson (AC) beat Taylor, 6-4, 6-2; Monson beat Mackaman, 6-0, 6-2; Fletcher beat Ceplecha, 6-2, 6-0; Danna beat Keenan, 6-0, 6-0; Rayasam beat Clark, 6-4, 6-2.