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Krajcovicova finishes second

MADISON — Milton High girls tennis coach Dan Thies called Lea Krajcovicova’s march to the Division 1 state singles title match a ‘fun run.’

The junior and foreign-exchange student from Slovakia destroyed everyone in her path en route to reaching Saturday’s title match.

Unfortunately for Krajcovicova, the fun ended at the hands of defending state champion Elizabeth Konon of Mequon Homestead. Konon won her second straight title with a convincing 6-2, 6-0 win over the previously unbeaten Krajcovicova. Konon finished the season 32-0, while Krajcovicova’s magical season ended at 27-1.

Thies said Konon’s state experience and solid all-around play proved to be the difference in the match.

“Konon forced Lea into hitting some shots that she’s probably not as comfortable hitting,” Thies said. “She mixed things up quite a bit rather than just making it a baseline power match. That forced Lea to come to the net more than she’s used to. She basically beat Lea at her own game.

“And I think the fact that Lea beat Homestead’s second-best player (Mardee Merar) in the quarterfinal’s gave their coaching staff a chance to scout her and give Konon some good advice on how to play her.”

Krajcovicova rolled in her semifinal match Saturday morning against Lily Hayes of Whitefish Bay, winning 6-0, 6-1.

“Lea was in a zone in her semifinal match,” Thies said. “She wasn’t missing anything and really dominated in a match that didn’t take very long.”

Despite coming up short in her bid for a state title, Thies said Krajcovicova has no reason to sulk.

“Lea was certainly upset because she wanted the (title) match so badly, but 10 to 15 minutes afterward, she was fine,” Thies said. “I know not just myself and her teammates, but everybody that knows Lea is so proud of her. She has been a pleasure to be around—on and off the court.”

Homestead’s Sophia Lococo and Anna Kreynin won the Division 1 doubles crown with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Justine Daane and Sammi Pedersen of Green Bay Southwest.