Spencer, Ia (Northwest Iowa Now) – The Spencer Girls Tennis team hosted a couple of duals on Thursday at the Riverview Tennis Courts in Spencer. These double-duals will become more common with the Sport now in the Fall because of a more compressed schedule.

The First Dual was against Spirit Lake/Okoboji. Spencer picked up a win against their rivals 8-1. SL/O have controlled the series over the last decade, but Spencer dominated on Thursday. Abby Crew played #1 singles for the Tigers, taking a loss against a tough opponent.

It was a long day for Spencer, who were on the courts for nearly 8 hours in the heat. Kate Elser told Northwest Iowa Now how they keep the energy up in the heat.

Spencer would roll past Cherokee in the afternoon 9-0. The Tigers remain undefeated at 5-0 and 3-0 in the Lakes Conference going into their Saturday Tournament. The goal for this team from the get-go has been the State Tournament, which they missed last season after a 3rd place finish in 2024. Ally Ewalt certainly has that in mind and talked about how they will get there.

Spencer Girls Tennis Coach Bob Schlaeger talked about the Tigers quick start out of the gate.

A word that Schlaeger uses a lot is competing, but he says it’s important for his girls to know what competing actually is.

The Tigers host the Dennis Price Invitational on Saturday, welcoming Bishop Heelan of Sioux City, Cherokee, Estherville Lincoln Central, Grundy Center, Le Mars, North of Sioux City, West of Sioux City, and Spirit Lake/Okoboji.