ROCKFORD ATHLETICS I HOME OF THE RAMS

After nearly three weeks away from competition due to relentless Michigan weather, the Rockford Girls Varsity Tennis team finally returned to the courts, hungry, determined, and ready to compete. Rain, sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures had kept the Rams sidelined since before spring break. But rather than easing back into play, Rockford jumped straight into one of the toughest stretches of the season. Their return began against OK Red rival West Ottawa, currently ranked 4th in Division 1. As expected in a rivalry that has defined the conference for over a decade, the match was filled with intensity and high-level play. While West Ottawa came away with a 7-3 victory, the Rams showed plenty of fight. Carlie Wegener and Sadie Debski led the way at No. 1 doubles with a strong 6-4, 6-1 win, while Kate Coyle and Evelyn Schwander added another point at No. 5 doubles, 6-3, 6-4. At No. 4 doubles, Aubrey Rosebery and Chloe Elizondo battled through a dramatic three-set match, pushing their opponents to the brink before falling in a final-set tiebreak, an effort that highlighted the team’s grit after such a long layoff. The competition didn’t get any easier over the weekend. Rockford faced off against a loaded field featuring #3 ranked Farmington Hills Mercy, #8 ranked Grand Rapids Catholic Central, and a much-improved Traverse City West squad. As if the level of competition wasn’t enough, the conditions were brutal. With a “feels like” temperature of 34 degrees and wind gusts reaching 40 mph, wind screens were ripped from fences and debris blew across the courts throughout the day. Still, the Rams stood tall. Rockford finished the day 2-1, earning impressive 7-2 wins over both Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Traverse City West while dropping a hard-fought 1-8 decision to Farmington Hills Mercy that featured several tight, contested matches. Against Grand Rapids Catholic Central, the Rams showcased both depth and resilience. At No. 1 singles, Grace Ferry battled through a gritty three-set tiebreak to win 2-4, 4-0, 10-7. Ella Fix (No. 3) and Lilly Bajema (No. 4) delivered convincing straight-set victories, while doubles continued to shine. Wegener and Debski (No. 1) controlled their match 4-1, 4-2, and Sienna Maag with Vanessa Rollenhagen dominated at No. 2 doubles 4-1, 4-0. Two of the most exciting finishes came from No. 3 and No. 4 doubles. Evian Lund and Addyson Schad rallied for a 1-4, 4-1, 10-8 comeback victory, while Rosebery and Elizondo edged out a marathon match 4-2, 3-5, 12-10, showing composure in clutch moments. Rockford carried that momentum into their matchup with Traverse City West, putting together another strong 7-2 performance. The Rams swept singles, led by Ferry’s 4-0, 4-2 win at No. 1 and dominant straight-set victories from Sophie Burns, Ella Fix, and Lilly Bajema. In doubles, Maag and Rollenhagen continued their strong play with a 4-2, 5-3 win at No. 2, while Lund and Schad battled to a 4-2, 4-5 (6), 10-6 victory at No. 3. Rosebery and Elizondo added a decisive 4-0, 4-0 win at No. 4. Capping off an impressive day, the No. 6 doubles team of Lillian Russell and Kendall Arntz went undefeated, providing another highlight for the Rams’ depth and consistency across the lineup. After weeks of waiting, Rockford didn’t just return, they proved they can compete with anyone. Battling elite teams and brutal conditions, the Rams are beginning to find their rhythm at the perfect time.