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She wasn’t surprised by what happened next.
After missing out on a state-tournament berth by one place — the top two individuals from each section advance — Gernes watched the section champion and runner-up, Rochester Lourdes’ Alexa Palen and Courtney Rust, go on to finish first and second at state.
“They’re really good,” Gernes said. “I wasn’t too surprised.”
For Gernes, who will play No. 1 singles when the Ramblers open the season today at the Cotter Invitational, the third-place section finish was bittersweet. Gernes has played varsity tennis since seventh grade. During that time, and many years prior, Rochester Lourdes, a 10-time defending state champion before last season, has consistently churned out near-unbeatable teams and individuals.
“It was a little disappointing,” Gernes said, “because I wanted to go to state. But I also understand what section we’re in.”
Motivated by her progress in tennis, and having experienced firsthand the obstacles along her road to state — both Palen and Rust return this season to a predictably stacked Lourdes team — Gernes stepped up her dedication during the offseason.
Gernes quit the basketball team for a “second season” of tennis coaching and training last winter, taking private lessons and practicing indoors four times a week. She’s practiced around nine hours a week all summer.
“Tennis is a lot more important to me,” Gernes said. “I like basketball, but it was worth it (to quit). I feel like I’m a lot better and I’ve improved a lot.
“I’ve learned to hit with more power and placement. I know more about where to hit it and how to hit it.”
Gernes’ improvement will bolster a familiar Cotter team. The Ramblers return eight of 10 starters from last season, in which they finished third in the Hiawatha Valley League.
For the fifth year in a row the Ramblers will have a new coach, this time Saint Mary’s University tennis player Sara Clements. Still, Clements, who coached Cotter’s junior varsity last season, is at least a familiar face.
“I was really excited about the opportunity,” Clements said. “I know it’s a great group of girls because last year I had a great time with them. They were always competitive and tried their best.”
Gernes, senior Erica Hengel and sophomores Val Mahlke and Jillian Wunderlich will begin the season as the Ramblers singles’ lineup.
Sophomores Chelsey Brosig and Molly Biesanz, juniors Sami Giaquinto and Emily Brom, and senior Morgan Holien along with junior Katie Conover will round out the Ramblers doubles’ lineup.
“I’m kind of nervous,” Gernes said. “Just because I haven’t played a real match in a long time. Nervous, but excited to play again and get the season started.”
