Wharton doubles teams head to Austin for 3A state tennis tourney
Eller likes players chances to succeed
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

ELLER

Two Wharton doubles teams are heading to Austin Sunday to compete in Monday's Class 3A University Interscholastic League's State Tennis Tournament at the Penick-Allison Tennis Center.

Christie Viktorin and Ashley Aaronson will play as girls doubles. Ric Doetsch and Rachel Gubbels will plays as mixed doubles.

Aaronson played at state two years ago with her sister Amy.

"It's just as exciting as the first time," said Aaronson.

"I feel more prepared to play. Mentally I'm a lot stronger and I know what to expect."

"I think we have a real good chance to do really good and we connect when we play together."

Viktorin is also excited about playing at state.

"Being a senior makes it that much sweeter," said Viktorin, "It's your last chance and you get this great opportunity.

"You just have to go out there and perform. You're going to have a big crowd and looked down on."

Gubbels said she's ready to play.

"I'm really excited because it's my senior year," said Gubbels. I'm looking forward to going to Austin and see all the other teams play, win in the first round and then go on to the second.

This was the first year for them to play together as a mixed doubles team.

"This really means a lot to me," said Doetsch. "I think that we have a pretty good chance in winning.

Coach Roben Eller is confident her team's potential.

"I think we have great chances," said Eller. "We've seen some of these people before and know what they are like. It's not like we're going into this blinded."

Eller said it's simple what her teams need to do.

"We have to believe," said Eller. "If we can believe that we can compete, then we'll do it."

The two teams have played over 60 matches between the fall and spring seasons.

Viktorin and Aaronson play a first round match at 11:30 a.m. against Megan England and Kailey Lampkin of Kaufman.

Semifinal matches are scheduled for 2 p.m. and the championship match will be played at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday.

Doetsch and Gubbels play a first round match at 12:30 p.m. against the Abilene Wylie team of Lindsey Bloomer and Doug Kirstead.

The two semifinal matches will be played at 3 p.m. and the championship will be played at 9 a.m. Tuesday.