Talia Baca’s third-place match in a girls’ Class 2A regional tennis tournament earlier this month turned out to be for more than just pride.
Baca’s three-set victory over Emily Allen of Indianola allowed her to get into the state singles tournament on Friday when the district champion, Lexi Moen of Valley, had to withdraw due to sickness.
“We found out late (Thursday) afternoon,” said Centennial coach Alli Gustafson. “We had not been practicing as a team, but Talia had been practicing with her private coach.”
Baca went on to lose both of her matches at Johnston. She opened the tournament with a 6-0, 6-0 loss to third-seeded Mackenzie Sagers of Cedar Falls, who later advanced to play No. 2 Lily Holland of Cedar Rapids Jefferson in Saturday’s semifinals.
Baca then dropped a 6-0, 6-0 decision to Madelyn Jepsen of North Scott in a first-round consolation match. Jepsen later won again to become a top-eight finisher.
“Talia played some really tough competition,” Gustafson said. “The experience she gained as a freshman was incredible! It was such a great learning experience where she was able to get a feel for the tournament and play against high-level opponents. She did a great job after getting the call and then less than 24 hours later competing.
“I am sure she will be back in the next couple of years!” Gustafson added.