East Ridge boys tennis: Raptors’ Mog, Nigatu place fourth in section tourney

The doubles team of East Ridge senior Colton Mog and sophomore Zach Nigatu paved the way for Raptors tennis at the Section 3AA State Tournament. The pair placed fourth overall, marking the farthest point that any East Ridge tennis player has ever achieved.

Smart doubles play helped them find a win against Park’s DeJene and Nigatu in the quarterfinal match. Coach Suzie Heideman noted that Mog and Nigatu closed out points at the net and lobbed to keep control of the game. Their 6-3, 6-2 victory sent them to the semifinal against Bloomington Jefferson.

The fast-paced play against the Jefferson duo proved to be too much for Nigatu and Mog as they fell 6-2, 6-1.

“The match was much closer than the score showed,” Heideman said, “The points did not last very long as there was a lot of power in Jefferson’s serves and their volleys. Because of the short points, there wasn’t ever a chance to gain momentum.”

The team played Eagan for the third-place match. Nigatu and Mog lost in two tight sets, 7-5, 6-4, however.

“This was a great match for all the players,” Heideman said. “It was great to see Colton and Zach have so much fun. Ending up as the fourth place doubles team in Section 3AA was a great honor for the boys and for East Ridge.”

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