Hamilton's athletic doubles partners lead team to state after unprecedented regional title
HAMILTON - In their other sports, they are used to controlling the pace of the ball.
In tennis, Hamilton's Haylie Peterman and Joelle Boeskool have found a way to turn that pace into elite doubles play - all the way to the state tournament.
Peterman is a guard on the basketball team and Boeskool is the setter on the volleyball team. That is a lot of leadership and ball direction.
They teamed up in tennis, not either of their top sports, and put together something special, helping the Hamilton girls win their first ever regional championship.
"It was super exciting. We thought we had a shot, but we didn't realize how real it was. When we were in the championship match, it was the energy that helped us click. Us playing other sports helped us use that to our advantage," Boeskool said. "It feels like it has a pretty big impact on our play. We know we have to make a play with the ball, and we rely on each other. It is nice to know your partner can take over when they have to."
That ball control has led the duo to a 24-3 record heading into the state tournament.
"It helps quite a lot. On the basketball court, you are really in charge of where the ball goes and putting it where you want it. In tennis, you are in charge of putting it somewhere and you only get one shot," Peterman said. "I think our partnership works well because we are close, but we don't really care if the other makes a mistake. We are out here to have fun."
The duo won their flight championship at No. 1 doubles, leading a doubles sweep at regionals as the Hawkeyes qualified for the state tournament.
The athleticism of playing other quick team sports has been integral into their play on the court.
"It is huge. They are always running down balls and have the desire and instinct because of their competitiveness in their other sports," Hamilton coach Steve Lubbers said. "Everybody just responds to that athletic ability and competitive spirit. We are going to set some goals and finish as high as we can."
That unknown excitement has the Hawkeyes poised for a strong finish.
"Winning regionals was really exciting and really brought our team closer together," Peterman said. "It is our first time going to state, so we have already met our goals. We just need to have fun."
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Hamilton's athletic doubles partners lead team to state tennis finals
