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The Ankeny Centennial boys’ tennis squad is one of 16 teams still left standing in the Class 2A team competition.
The Jaguars rolled to a 5-0 victory over visiting Des Moines East in a substate quarterfinal on Friday, ending the Scarlets’ season with a 1-11 record.
Centennial then traveled to Sioux City North on Saturday and posted a 5-3 win over the Stars in the semifinal round. North entered the match with a 14-4 mark.
“We had two good wins,” said Centennial assistant coach Dustin Rhoads, whose team improved to 4-8 on the season. “The guys are happy to be one of the final 16 teams left. I think it’s always a team goal every year to try to make it to state as a team, and now we are one win away from that.”
Centennial quickly disposed of East by winning the first five singles matches to be decided. Then, on Saturday, the Jaguars had to go to doubles before outlasting Sioux City North.
“It’s been a tough season in many ways and the good results haven’t always been there, but we knew this team had talent and was capable of competing with pretty much any team in the state,” Rhoads said. “The journey to Sioux City and back was long and a hot day, but a win was awesome for these guys to extend their season. We played well and deserved to advance. We also made some good, fun memories that these guys will remember for a long time.”
The Jaguars will play at fifth-ranked Valley (11-1) in the substate final on Wednesday. The Tigers advanced with a 5-0 triumph over Urbandale on Saturday.
Centennial will try to avenge an earlier 11-0 loss.
“We are excited to play Valley again!” Rhoads said.