June 8, 2006

Clemente, Plymouth pair
put records on the line

Culver Academy sophomore Romina Clemente, who has yet to lose a high school tennis match, is one of six players remaining in the singles portion of the Indiana state tournament.

The Plymouth tandem of senior Erin Dunning and junior Heidi Keiser also try to extend their season after going 17-1 in the regular season and 7-0 thus far in the tournament.

They'll meet Shauna Botlo and Jessica Chesher of Jeffersonville in the quarterfinals in play Friday at North Central High School in Indianapolis.

The Pilgrims have a solid history of strong doubles play and in 2003 the team of Jenny Faulstich and Jessica Vervynckt finished third in the state.

"We always have good athletes at doubles,'' said Plymouth coach Brad Haeck. "They're (Dunning, Keiser) very aggressive, get to the net and put balls away.''

Clemente, also a 4.0 student, is 7-0 in tourney play, 23-0 for the year at No. 1 and 46-0 for her career after playing No. 2 as a freshman.

She'll meet Sandy Honegger of Southwood Friday in Indianapolis.

"She's in high company for a 10th grader,'' said her coach, Alan Loehr. "She dictates play from the back-handed side. ... She's an all-court player.''

Loehr added that the 5-5 Clemente, from Pembroke Pines, Fla., has the serve of a future Division I product.

A win Friday puts Clemente in the Final Four on Saturday.

Culver Academy sophomore Romina Clemente, who has yet to lose a high school tennis match, is one of six players remaining in the singles portion of the Indiana state tournament.
Gary Mills photo