Murawski's fourth singles title a first for Franklin tennis

Franklin - Behind Kassie Murawski's historic flight championship at fourth singles, the Franklin girls tennis team concluded its regular season on a strong note, taking second in the Southeast Conference Tournament for the second year in a row.

Individually, Murawski made Franklin history by becoming the first Franklin girl to win the SEC at any flight. She defeated opponents from Racine Horlick (6-1, 6-0); Oak Creek (6-3, 6-1) and Kenosha Tremper (6-3, 6-2) for her title.

Her efforts led a balanced effort for Franklin, which had every entry win a first round match and finish no lower than fourth, which was also a first for the team.

Behind those efforts, the Sabers totaled 30 points, as Kenosha Tremper successfully defended its title with 39 while Muskego was third with 24.

The Sabers are now engaged in WIAA tournament play. The sectional is scheduled for Thursday at Greenfield High School. The first four finishers in flight one of singles and doubles and the winner of flight two in singles and doubles will advance to the WIAA State Individual Tournament on Oct. 13 to 15 in Madison.

Franklin entries will be battling competitors from state powers Nicolet and Whitefish Bay for state spots. The team champion of the sectional advances to the WIAA State Team Tournament on Oct. 21 to 22 in Madison.

Franklin coach Jon Vogt knows the tough road that awaits his team this week.

"(These will be) our toughest tests of the season," he said. "…We've scheduled tough teams for the purpose of performing well during the postseason. This week we'll see how our hard work pays off. Mentally we're in a good place right now. I'm confident the girls will be ready for the challenge."

Murawski will lead the Sabers into that fight. She had good support at the Southeast Tournament, as the first doubles team of Kayla Plath and Shannon Murawski also made the finals in their flight. The pair defeated duos from Racine Case (6-0, 6-0) and Horlick (6-2, 6-2) before falling to a team from Tremper (6-3, 6-0).

Another finalist was the third doubles team of Allie Tome and Abby Kass.

They downed duos from Kenosha Bradford (6-2, 7-6) and Muskego (6-3, 7-6) before falling to a Tremper team (6-1, 6-1).

Earning thirds were Kat Donovan at third singles (6-2, 6-3 over Muskego in her final match) and the second doubles team of Sanjana Segu and Ensley Gossett (7-6, 6-2 over an Oak Creek pair).

Fourths went to Liv Lampone at first singles and Yuka Shiotani at second singles.