MINNEAPOLIS -- For the second straight year, Blaine Doeden advanced to the second day of the state tennis tournament.
The senior on Worthington’s boys tennis team had a tough draw in Thursday’s opening round, as he faced top-seeded Parker Law from Mounds Park Academy. Despite a loss, Doeden recovered for a win in the consolation round and played again Friday.
“First match, he was hitting every shot that he needed to, he was playing incredibly well, it’s just that guy is that strong,” WHS head coach Mike Marquardt said. “Blaine played at the highest level he could, the other guy won. That set him up for the next round.”
On Friday, Doeden suffered a 7-6 (7-1), 6-0 setback to Parker Sell of Pine CIty and was eliminated.
“Blaine battled one of his greatest matches both physically and mentally,” Marquardt said. “He played his way and gave it everything he had, showing his character and true grit.”
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Marquardt noted that Doeden was the first singles player from Worthington to have won a match as state in back-to-back years.
“I’m very impressed, very proud and very honored to be his coach,” Marquardt said.
