WILLMAR — Kate Kurtzman picked up her 100th win as the Brainerd Warriors defeated the Willmar Cardinals 6-1 Friday, Sept. 18, in a Central Lakes Conference match.
Kurtzman won 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1 singles to become the seventh Warrior to reach 100 wins in her career.
“It was pretty crazy,” she said. “I definitely felt adrenaline and was super proud of myself. My match got a little hard at the end, but I just pulled through.”
Kurtzman said she felt a little pressure because she knew she was one win away. The match against Willmar was originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, and got postponed to Friday.
“I just shook off my nerves because I know I play better when I am relaxed,” she said. “I would have been more nervous yesterday. I got another night to sleep over it and relax.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Kurtzman’s been playing varsity since the eighth grade and one of her great memories is a subsection match she won her eighth grade season.
“It was just me left and it was 3-3, but I had lost to the girl two times before and I changed my strategy and ended up winning and we moved on to sections,” she said.
Warriors head coach Lisa Salo said it’s a great accomplishment for Kurtzman.
“We were able to witness history today,” Salo said. “She joins an elite group. This milestone is a reflection of her being a varsity player since the eighth grade. She’s committed to her game to get better. She’s competitive. And she’s really humble which is such a credit to her.”
No. 1 doubles team Lily Jones-Kate Chaussee also won 6-3, 6-1 and Catherine Moraghan won 6-3, 6-2 at No. 2 singles.
Brainerd 6, Willmar 1
Singles
No. 1: Kate Kurtzman (Brd) def. Alyssa Morrell 6-1, 6-3
No. 2: Catherine Moraghan (Brd) def. Ashley Pitzen 6-3, 6-2
No. 3: Taylor Ruhl (Brd) def. Allie Bruhn 7-5, 6-1
No. 4: Kessa Mara (W) def. Lindsy Busch 7-5, 7-6(4)
ADVERTISEMENT
