By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The Buchanan girls' tennis team opened up competition at the Division 4 state tournament this morning at Michigan State University.
The Lady Bucks tied with Dowagiac for second place at the Regional two weeks ago to advance to the finals, which will continue on Saturday.
Regional champion Brandywine is also competing in the finals.
In the opening round of the tournament, Buchanan's No. 1 singles player, Courtney Miller will take on North Muskegon's Lauren Monroe. At No. 2 singles, Kristine Gordon will face Frankenmuth's Sally Keffner. The winner will advance to take on No. 3 seeded Ann Nulty of Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard.
The Lady Bucks' Joey Dreitzler received a first round bye and will take on No. 6 seeded Claire Turvill of Almont in the second round at No. 3 singles, while at No. 4 singles, Kirsten Smallwood also received a first round bye.
Smallwood will face Portland's Ellee Eldridge in the second round.
In doubles action, Buchanan's No. 1 squad of Mary Martin and Brianne Weldy will take on Kali Martin and Megan Baker of Saginaw Nouvel in the opening round.
The winner advances to face No. 2 seeded Lindsey Yaklin and Chanahl Putnam of Almont.
At No. 2 doubles, Taylor Henry and Nash Hughes opened up with a bye and will take on No. 6 seeded Aubrey Kloostra and Joni Holsem of Grandville Calvin Christian in the second round.
Buchanan's No. 3 doubles squad of Samantha Haner and Ashley Devereaux will face Sydney Batts and Brianna Bunker of Kalamazoo Christian in the first round today.
Aleischa Shepherd and Marina Ivanova of Buchanan will open up tournament play at No. 4 doubles against Saginaw Nouvel's Allison Tillman and Justine Miller.