Molines Graham, Zemek eliminated from state tennis

Graham, the reigning Western Big 6 player of the year, lost two close games, starting in the opening round against Elena Grmusa of West Aurora.

Graham, a sophomore, won the first set 6-4, but Grmusa, a freshman, responded with a 6-0 win to force a deciding third set. Grmusa prevailed 10-8 in a super tiebreaker to advance in the game played at Schaumburg High School.

For consolation, Graham and Niles West freshman Emma Velimirovic went to a tiebreaker in the first set, with Velimirovic prevailing in the tiebreaker 9-7. Velimirovic finished the second set 6:4.

Graham competed in her second straight state meet.

Zemek, a senior playing in her fourth straight state tournament, fell to freshman Dia Kannan of Edwardsville 6-1, 6-2 in the opening round at Rolling Meadows High School.

In her consolation match, Zemek lost a 6-0, 6-1 decision to Leena Manadan of Whitney Young of Chicago.

In a story published Thursday, Zemek’s first name was misspelled and an incorrect photo was also used.

The Dispatch-Argus apologizes for the errors.