PIERRE - It's been a strong year for the Mitchell girls tennis team and Saturday's Pierre Invitational brought about a barometer for the Kernels to find out where they're at and where they want to be.
A couple of losses to the state's best teams showed there's work still to be done.
The Kernels dispatched Rapid City Central 9-0 but fell by the same score to Rapid City Stevens and St. Thomas More Saturday in Pierre.
"We went up against two of the better teams in the state and they showed us why," Mitchell coach Pat Moller said. "They were deep and very veteran. I told them that they're what we're building what we're toward. And with respect to our lone senior Kaihlen Smith, we have a good chance of being what they are next year at this time."
Against the Raiders, Avery Larson gave Mitchell its best chance at stealing a match, falling 10-7 to Ally Riddle at No. 2 singles. Taking on STM, it was Smith, who battled Ainsleigh Scott at No. 4 singles to a 10-8 decision.
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Larson, Smith, Sammy Pooley, Kelsey Dahme, Ashley Jones and Madison Bohlen each won at singles over Central and teamed up for doubles victories as well. Larson had a 10-1 win over Karen Ly at No. 2 singles to win convincingly.
The Kernels host Brandon Valley at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Hitchcock Park.
"I'm really happy with the way we're playing," Moller said. "It's been a good year for us and we have the confidence, so I'm excited about where we're going."
