The Mitchell Kernels girls tennis team began their pursuit of the Class AA state championship on Thursday in Rapid City.
After Day 1 at the Parkview and Sioux Park Tennis Courts, the team ranked fifth overall with 226 points. Four players advanced to the semifinals in their respective singles flights, including Carsyn Weich (Flight 2), Elly Clement (Flight 4), Matteah Graves (Flight 5), and Mia Larson (Flight 6).
In doubles, Mitchell had mixed success, with several pairs advancing to the quarterfinals before being defeated by higher-seeded opponents.
At the end of Day 1, Rapid City Stevens led the team standings, followed by Sioux Falls Lincoln, O’Gorman, and Aberdeen Central.
The second and final day of the state tournament beings at 9 am CST in Rapid City.