Regardless of what the outcome would be in Indianapolis, Memorial girls tennis took a step forward this season.
After last year’s loss at semi-state to the eventual state champions Jasper, the Tigers came into 2026 with an understanding of what was required to take their success to the next level.
They did exactly that.
Even after a season-opening 3-2 win against the defending champions Jasper, Memorial coach Jacob VanBibber and his staff did not want complacency to creep in. He knew composure was going to be essential from his girls throughout the season.
It was the “mental moments” that VanBibber preaches that carried the Tigers to a point this group had not reached — Indianapolis.
Memorial won its opening match in Indianapolis against North Central, IHSTECA No. 7, 3-2 in the quarterfinals on June 5. The Tigers’ doubles pairings both won and so did Emery Folz of No. 2 singles – more on the sophomore later.
But if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. The likelihood of a rematch with Jasper was always something VanBibber considered.
“We know that Jasper’s always going to be ready to go come postseason if we happen to draw them once again,” VanBibber said in April.
His intuition was on point. A rematch, only this time it would come in the state semifinals later in the day.
Memorial vs Jasper
As it was in the season-opener, Memorial and Jasper was a close battle between two of Southwestern Indiana’s best. After losing her match earlier in the day, Tigers No. 1 singles Emma Dilger got back on track with her win (6-1, 6-0) against the Wildcats’ Lila Hawkes.
In doubles, both No. 1 and No. 2 for Jasper came out victorious in 2-0 sweeps. Each set was closely-decided. No. 1 finished 6-4, 7-5 and No. 2 finished 6-4, 7-6.
After losing the opening set in No. 3 singles 4-6, Memorial’s Ella Hurt came from behind to win her match against Lexi Schnarr of Jasper. The remaining sets were convincing, 6-1 and 6-2.
Winning this point was crucial for Memorial as it tied the match at two. It came down to Emery Folz vs. Jasper’s Susanna Kelly in No. 2 singles for a state championship berth.
The opening set came down to a tiebreaker after a 6-6 start. Eventually, Folz did enough to create the two-point advantage she needed to win the tiebreaker 9-7 and the set 7-6.
The next set was not much different. But in the end, Folz pulled it off, 7-5.
Memorial’s run would continue into June 6, a chance at winning a state title.
“For Emery to clinch in what was a very close two-set win was super impressive,” VanBibber said. “For really all of our girls too, to handle those big moments and continue to push through and win us that match.”
Someone was going to be victorious, but it is a healthy rivalry between Jasper and Memorial. Yarbrough respects good tennis, period. And VanBibber respects the standard that has been set in Jasper by Yarbrough and his father, Ed.
The Memorial coach knows as long as his team remains competitive, the inevitability of Jasper will continue to arise. And when you consider Castle also being among the state’s best programs, tennis in Southwestern Indiana is certainly in good hands.
VanBibber was proud of how the girls managed the emotions that came with winning two tough matches in one day. Still, the one they were working toward was coming against an elite opponent.
Looking forward to 2027
Carmel would win the match 4-1, the program’s fourteenth state title. Dilger earned Memorial its lone point.
VanBibber said the final score did not reflect what exactly went down at North Central on June 6. Folz and Hurt both had a couple competitive sets that they lost. And in doubles, Grace Dilger and Olivia Smith of No. 1 pushed their match to the third set before losing in the end.
“We had a lot of pretty close, competitive matches despite losing in two sets in a couple of them,” VanBibber said. “I really feel like all of our girls played very well and handled all of the pressure pretty good.”
The quest for the Tigers’ first state championship since 2012 continues. Maybe a disappointing end after finishing the season as state runners-up, but still a season this group can be proud of.
And with six of its seven in the lineup returning next season, VanBibber knows Memorial will continue to raise the bar.
“More than anything, the experience is going to be huge,” VanBibber said. “Having gone all the way to the state championship will pay dividends next year when we’re starting to gear up and hopefully try and make state once again.”
Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Memorial girls tennis knows more awaits after state title loss
Reporting by Markos Tsegaye, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
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By Markos Tsegaye, Evansville Courier & Press | USA TODAY Network
