Sidelines: Metzger marches to Division I state tennis final

Perrysburg senior Julia Metzger celebrates winning in the second round at the state tournament. She finished as runner-up in Division I.

Three local girls tennis players came close in their quest for a state title.

In Division I singles, Perrysburg senior Julia Metzger fell just one match short of the crown, losing to Mentor s Kara Sherwood in the final.

Metzger, who placed third last year, finished the season 29-1. She helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a Northern Lakes League title, and signed a national letter of intent to play at Oregon.

The St. Ursula doubles team of Morgan Bechtel and Maddy Eccleston reached the Division I state semifinals, losing to the eventual state champions from West Chester Lakota West. Bechtel and Eccleston, who led the Arrows to a City League title, finished third.

In Division II, freshman Drew Fillis of Ottawa Hills and junior Meredith McDonagh of Bryan both lost in the first round of the state singles.