Posted on Sun, Apr. 27, 2008

Nolan Catholic tennis meets high expectations

By KELLY MORRIS

SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM

Youth didn’t stop the Nolan Catholic girls tennis team from meeting high expectations at this year’s TAPPS 6A state meet.

The Lady Vikings, who have just one senior, clinched the state title over second-place San Antonio Antonian on Saturday in Waco. It was their first state title since back-to-back state titles in 2004 and 2005.

"I really have to hand it to the girls," Nolan Catholic coach Gaye Houk said. "I’m overwhelmed. All the players put together a great effort. We sort of hung in there together."

Freshman Marcelli Magday, unseeded at state after she finished second at district, took second individually after losing 6-1, 6-2 to Dallas Ursuline’s Christine Molina in the finals. Marcelli won in straight sets in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. She beat Loretto’s Elizabeth Rodriguez, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals. "I think Marcelli’s biggest strength is her focus and work ethic,” Houk said. "Not everybody has that determination."

When it comes to Nolan Catholic’s doubles teams, it’s a family affair. Stephanie Hunter, the lone senior on the girls team, plays with her cousin, Laura Jacobi. Hunter’s sister, Catherine, plays with junior Helena Birdsell. Both teams lost in the state semifinals.

In the boys competition, Nolan Catholic’s doubles team of Tom and Steve Buell, lost to El Paso Cathedral’s Rafeal Cano and Theodore Markowski 7-6, 6-0 in Saturday’s final. The twins advanced to the state quarterfinals last year as freshmen.