Two Lady Jays doubles teams, Helias' Dowden advance in tennis

CAMDENTON, Mo. - The Jefferson City Lady Jays will be doubling their fun at the Class 2 state tennis tournament.

Jefferson City will take two doubles teams to state after posting sectional victories Wednesday.

"It was a great day for us," Jefferson City coach John Blosser said.

Jefferson City squared off with teams from Springfield Central in the sectional The team of Eden Hoogveld and Paige Smith blanked its opponent 6-0, 6-0 to get to state for the second straight year. The duo of Kelly Raithel and Haley Snellen was a 6-1, 6-4 winner.

The state tournament will be played Oct. 25-26 in Springfield.

Jefferson City is still alive as a team and will face Joplin in the Class 2 sectional Saturday in Jopin.

III

Ashley Dowden came so close a year ago. Now the Helias sophomore is off to state.

Dowden defeated Glendale's Rachel Dwyer 6-0, 6-1 on Wednesday in a Class 2 sectional singles match to advance to state tournament Oct. 25-26 in Springfield.

"Ashley played really really well, had composure," Helias head coach Margaret Shimkus said. "I think she's ready and motivated.

"She went 24-1 and lost in sectionals to a Glendale girl last year in 3 sets. To be able to come back and win it this year is a big, big deal."

Dowden is 24-0 in singles this season.