MHS' dynamic duo enjoys magical ride
Even now, with a state runner-up finish secure, Keena Cheng couldn't believe what had just happened.
Cheng, a senior at Middleton High School, and fellow MHS senior Ashley Andler went to the WIAA Division 1 state doubles tournament last weekend with high hopes. The Cardinals’ dynamic duo then blew those expectations out of the water.
Andler and Cheng entered the tournament held at Nielsen Tennis Stadium as the No. 7 seed. Middleton’s sensational pair then produced the surprise showing of the tournament, reaching the state finals before losing to Molly Jex and Lizzie Stuckslager — the defending champions from Divine Savior Holy Angels.
“Honestly, I expected to lose somewhere in the fourth round or semifinals, much less make it to the finals,” Cheng said. “I am still somewhat surprised about reaching the title match, but given the hard work we have put in the past four years, it has paid off in getting us this far.”
Andler and Cheng had a terrific season. But it’s unlikely many saw this type of deep run coming.
The Cardinals’ pair entered the state tournament with a 22-6 record, with all of their losses coming against teams that also qualified for state.
But Andler and Cheng, playing together for the first time this fall, continued to improve throughout the season. And their impressive skill set and chemistry were on full display throughout the weekend.
“Keena and I are a very good doubles team because we both have a good all-around games and we truly love playing with each other,” said Andler, who won two matches at the 2022 state doubles tournament playing with Amy Li. “We have gotten super close because of tennis and we enjoy being with each other on the court and having fun.”
Cheng agreed with Andler.
“Ashley and I work really well together,” said Cheng, who qualified for state last year and won a match playing with Sarah Li. “I would say most of it comes from chemistry. Not only do we respect each other as players, but we communicate well during matches and do our best to uplift each other. We are both calm and positive people, which I think is a big part of playing doubles.”
The Cardinals’ terrific twosome needed all of their composure to reach the state finals following a tournament in which they went a remarkable 4-0 in three-set matches.
Cheng and Andler began their run with a bye, then they toppled Elkorn’s Lauryn Krober and Peyton Williams, 6-3, 4-6, 10-4, last Friday morning. The Middleton duo then downed Pewaukee twin sisters Amy and Anna Terrian — the No. 10 seed — in another three-set thriller, 6-3, 3-6, 10-2.
“This was our senior year and we had nothing to lose,” Andler said of the Cardinals’ mentality in three-set matches. “We played super aggressive in every tiebreak and didn't want to regret anything or leave anything on the court. We wanted to just swing and have fun and not let the score or the nerves affect us.”
Andler and Cheng completed a grueling Friday by knocking off No. 2 seed and previously unbeaten Ritu Nair and Melina Fiorentini of Homestead, 2-6, 6-1, 10-5. That win vaulted the Middleton duo into the state semifinals Saturday morning.
There, Cheng and Andler stunned No. 3 seed Ana Cristescu and Lillianna Graf of DePere in another three-set grinder, 7-5, 2-6, 10-8. Prior to state, Andler and Cheng had been in just three matches that went to a third set, and they were 1-2 in those.
“I typically get nervous during those, but for some reason I wasn't as much this tournament,” Cheng said of Middleton’s third set magic. “I played them with the mentality of just taking it point by point and being confident in myself and my abilities.”
The Cardinals’ remarkable run ended in the state finals, though, where Jex and Stuckslager posted a 6-1, 6-2 win. The DSHA duo (22-0 on the season) didn't lose a single set all year and didn't lose more than three games in a match at state.
“I could not be more proud of Ashley and Keena,” Middleton coach Matt Given said. “These girls came into this program with me four years ago and have been nothing but amazing leaders and truly awesome young ladies.
“What they did this last weekend is nothing short of amazing! It truly showed their hard work and dedication each and every match. They found a way each match and this is a weekend that I will never forget as a coach. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for this program.”
Middleton singles players Netra Somasundaram and Lydia Sabat also had strong performances at state.
Somasundaram opened with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Nicole Porut of Kenosha Tremper. Somasundaram then downed Mia Bailey of Wausau West, 6-1, 6-0, before falling to Annalise Yang of Sun Prairie East, 6-1, 3-6, 10-3 in the third round.
Sabat posted a first round win over Kettle Moraine’s Josie Sueflohn, 7-6(5), 1-6, 10-4. In the second round, though, Homestead’s Katelyn Rippl bested Sabat, 6-3, 6-1.
While both Middleton singles players had impressive showings, this tournament will be remembered for Andler and Cheng’s magical run to the state finals.
“This weekend meant a lot to us,” Cheng said. “Being seniors and playing in our last individual state, we went in wanting to play our best and not regret anything. It's safe to say we don't have any regrets and it is a weekend for us to remember.”
Andler agreed.
“I knew it was possible to go that far if we played to our potential, but there were so many good teams we just had to take it match by match,” Andler said. “We knew we could do it, but it was truly a dream come true to make a run this deep, especially winning every match that way. We have both worked so hard to be able to hit and compete with these girls and it was so special being able to pull out the wins.”
