Columbus North High School

June 2, 2025 - 18th ranked Columbus North girls tennis fell to 17th ranked Center Grove in the semi-state round of the IHSAA girls tennis state tournament 4-1 to finish their season with a 16-7 record. The Bull Dogs had beaten the Trojans 3-2 earlier in the season. Lucy Bergman lost her number two singles match 1-6, 2-6 to start the match, but the number one doubles team of Annabelle Sun and Nino Akhalaya evened the match 1-1 with a 7-5, 6-2 victory. The Trojans went back on top for good after a 4-6, 2-6 loss by Grace Conner and Lizzie Bodart at number two doubles. Ayane Umemura had an impressive battle at three singles, but fell 5-7, 5-7. Aya Saad lost the first set of her number one singles match 4-6, but came back to dominate the second set 6-0, forcing a third set. She dropped the third set 3-6 to lose the match and draw a close to her season. The Bull Dogs will say goodbye to thirteen graduating seniors, including Lizzie Bodart, Marcella Brunner, Natalie Cantu, Grace Conner, Mila Esposito, Manuela Hernandez, Rhea Jain, Ishita Kute, Libby Richards, Aya Saad, Annabelle Sun, Ayane Umemura, and Melody Wu. Sun and Akhalaya will advance to the state finals after staying undefeated in the post season tournament. The tournament will be held at Park Tudor, beginning on June 13. Photo: Nino Akhalaya teamed with Annabelle Sun to earn the only Bull Dog victory in a 4-1 loss at Center Grove in the state semifinals. The duo will advance to the individual state tournament on June 13.