Klein and Mighell nab state tennis bids

The Geneseo doubles team of senior Michael Klein and sophomore Taylor Mighell captured a spot in the IHSA state tennis finals with a fourth-place finish in the May 16-17 Rock Island sectional.

Klein/Mighell won their second round match, 6-1 and 6-0 and the third round, 6-3 and 6-3. In round four, the duo fell 2-6 and 1-6 and in round five they were defeated 5-7 and 2-6. This marks the first time since 2001 that a doubles team has advanced to state from Geneseo.

“Michael and Taylor have been playing really good tennis and did a really nice job,” said head coach Kevin Reed. “They were playing at the net and hit shots when they needed to.”

The entire Leaf team combined for a third-place finish out of six teams.

Jacob Wyffels won his first match, 6-2, 5-7 and 6-4, but then fell 1-6 and 1-6 in singles play. Nick Menozi lost his first contest by a score of 1-6 and 6-7 (5).

Geneseo’s other doubles team of Judson Kuffel and Michael Miller lost their first match, 0-6 and 1-6.

“Our main goal is to get everyone to state and with our sectional it is very tough to get everyone there,” said Reed. “We also look to see if we can upset people. Judson Kuffel and Michael Miller played a No. 3 seed and played good, but just couldn’t get past them.”

Klein/Mighell will compete at the state level this weekend May 22-24 at District 214 Courts in Arlington Heights.

“Unfortunately, Michael and Taylor lost twice on Saturday, but really played nice,” said Reed. “In the first round (at state) they will probably play someone who’s pretty good, but hopefully we can upset them. I look for them to win at least one match at state and the way they have been playing I?expect them to win a couple.”