Cedar Rapids Washington the team to beat in 2A Iowa high school state girls’ tennis tournament

IOWA CITY — Chloe Palmer was an interested spectator for a couple of reasons at last Saturday's Class 2A state individual singles and doubles tournament.

The Cedar Rapids Washington senior was in the stands cheering on teammates Katelynn Kock and Kathryn Zylstra, who fell short in their bid to defend their doubles title.

Palmer also spent some time watching some of the other players in the field because she could end up meeting them in Tuesday's Class 2A team tournament, where the Warriors are the No. 1 seed.

Coach Nina Marquardt's team (17-0) will meet No. 4 West Des Moines Valley in an 8 a.m. semifinal at Johnston High School. West Des Moines Dowling and Ankeny Centennial meet in the other semifinal with the consolation and championship matches to follow.

Palmer is Washington's No. 3 singles player behind Kock and Zylstra. Valley’s No. 3 player, Maddie Hockmuth, was part of a doubles team that lost to Kock and Zylstra semifinals.

“I watched (Kock and Zylstra's) match against the Valley team and I was watching their No. 3 player,” said Palmer, who has committed to play college tennis next year at Coe. “I was watching to see how she hits, what the strengths and weaknesses of her game are.”

Kock and Zylstra are the recognizable names on the Warriors roster. They have been ranked among the state’s best throughout their careers. That could cause some resentment on some teams. That is not the case for Washington.

“Having them on our team is one of the most amazing things,” Palmer said. “They are both phenomenal players and watching them build their games has been amazing to watch.

“They both also help us out so much with our games. They help coach us and improve our game. It is like we have three coaches helping us all get better.”

Marquardt said Palmer and the others in the Warrior lineup — Mya Messenger, Peyton Caldwell and Lily Belle Barker — all know what is at stake on Tuesday.

“They have all made the commitment and put in the work,” said the first-year Washington coach. “They have been a wonderful team to work with and I really expect us to play well in the team tournament.”

Palmer is one of three seniors closing their prep careers on Tuesday, along with Zylstra and Caldwell.

“This is something we've been working for not only this season, but our entire career,” Palmer said. “It's finally time we get to show it on the court.”

No area team qualified for the 1A team event in Waukee Northwest. Defending champion Waterloo Columbus is the top seed.

Iowa high school girls’ state team tennis

Class 2A (At Johnston)

Semifinals

8 a.m. — No. 1 Cedar Rapids Washington vs. No. 4 West Des Moines Valley; No. 2 WDM Dowling vs. No. 3 Ankeny Centennial

Third place

11:15 a.m. — Semifinal losers

Championship

11:15 a.m. — Semifinal winners

Class 1A (At Waukee Northwest)

Semifinals

8 a.m. — No. 1 Waterloo Columbus vs. No. 4 Pella; No. 2 Clarinda vs. No. 3 DeWitt Central

Third place

11:15 a.m. — Semifinal losers

Championship

11:15 a.m. — Semifinal winners