Prep Tennis: Bierbaum ousted in 8AA tourney

SARTELL -- The Willmar girls tennis season came to an end Saturday when 1-singles player Gabie Bierbaum fell in the Section 8AA quarterfinals at the Fitness Evolution club.

Bierbaum lost to Karlee Jorgenson of Thief River Falls 6-4, 6-2.

Jorgenson placed fourth behind section singles champ Taylor Tarrolly of St. Cloud Tech, runner-up Rebecca Lukes of Alexandria and third-place finisher Jessica Solberg of Bemidji.

"Jorgenson played real steady," said Cardinals head coach Jim Anderson. "Gabie really went after her but (Jorgenson) played very well."

Birbaum ended the season 13-8 playing every match at the top of the Cardinals' lineup. She was a team captain along with Heather Horning and Kassy Linbo.

"She provided nice leadership all season," Anderson said of Bierbaum, who intends to play in college at Bethel next season.

Bierbaum is one of 10 seniors on the Willmar roster.

"We'll have some big shoes to fill," Anderson said, "but it also is an opportunity for some of our younger players to move up."