The Fairfield girls tennis team’s historic season came to a close Monday, October 12th in Pella, falling 5-0 to No. 2-ranked Boone in the Class 1A State Team Tournament. The loss snapped Fairfield’s 91-match winning streak in dual competition — the first time all season the Trojans had dropped a single point in a dual match. No. 7-ranked Fairfield had earned their spot in the tournament after going undefeated through the regular season and regional bracket, defeating Fort Madison, Oskaloosa, and Assumption on their way to Pella.
Singles
At No. 1, Natalie Steele faced a rematch against Phanchantraurai — the same player who had beaten her 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the individual state tournament the week prior. The result was similar, with Phanchantraurai winning 6-1, 6-0. Ria Ross fell at No. 2 to Kaylee Kuehl 6-4, 6-3 in a competitive match. Sriya Yammanur dropped her No. 3 singles match to Livi Schneider 6-3, 6-0. Mareyn Dunkin fell at No. 4 to Claire Hardinger 6-3, 6-2.
The two most competitive matches of the day were at No. 5 and No. 6. Faeven Gebremariam put together an outstanding performance at No. 5 against Olivia Conlin, taking the first set 6-4 and leading 5-3 in the second — one game away from pulling off the upset and at match point — but Kinzley Dunkin’s No. 6 match against Harper Kuehl concluded first with a 6-3, 6-3 result, giving Boone the fifth point needed to clinch the dual before Gebremariam could finish her match.
Doubles
With Gebremariam and Kinzley Dunkin’s matches running close toward the end, they elected to begin doubles as a precaution, starting Natalie Steele and Ria Ross against Phanchantraurai and Hardinger. Steele and Ross, who had been resting while the singles matches concluded, found themselves down 1-4 in the first set before the match was called when Boone secured the fifth point needed to clinch the dual.
Boone brought a deep and experienced squad to Pella, advancing to the semifinals Tuesday, October 13th against No. 3 Pella. Phanchantraurai, who defeated Steele in the second round of the individual state tournament the previous week, went on to earn runner-up honors at the individual tournament. Kaylee Kuehl and Livi Schneider, who handled Ross and Yammanur respectively in singles, also competed as a doubles pair at the individual state tournament at Waukee Northwest the previous week, where they placed fifth — underscoring just how much depth the Toreadors had up and down their lineup and how formidable a program Fairfield faced on Monday.
A Historic Season
The loss brought the curtain down on one of the most remarkable seasons in Fairfield girls tennis history. The Trojans went 91-0 in dual match competition entering Monday’s match, winning every regular season dual 9-0 and sweeping both Oskaloosa and Assumption 5-0 in the regional bracket. Five of six players qualified for the individual state tournament — believed to be a school record — and Steele improved her individual state placement from eighth to sixth in her senior season, becoming a three-time state place finisher. The team’s only loss on the season came against one of the top programs in Class 1A.
For five Fairfield seniors — Steele, Ross, Yammanur, Mareyn Dunkin, and Gebremariam — Monday marked the end of their Fairfield tennis careers. Freshman Kinzley Dunkin will return next season as a sophomore, inheriting the foundation this senior class built.
Coach Dunkin’s Thoughts
Head Coach Travis Dunkin said the season was everything he could have hoped for with this group. “It’s been a magical ride to say the least with this group. I’ve enjoyed every second watching these girls grow and develop their game. And for them to make it to team state is something they’ve set out to do and so happy they got there. Didn’t finish where we wanted — still believe we’re a top four team in state. They fought hard and battled all day against a very, very good Boone team. So proud of their effort and man, what a ride.”
Dunkin said the relationships built over four years made the ending emotional. “The girls and I have become so close over these last four years — all the car rides going to meets and countless tournaments I asked them to enter. It’s an emotional ending. I’m so thankful and blessed I’ve been able to be their coach. I’m sad to see this journey end but so thankful for the ride. No one can ever take that away.”
Natalie Steele’s Final Thoughts
Steele took to social media to reflect on the end of her senior season. “That’s a wrap on my senior tennis season. What a way to end my final year of Fairfield tennis — with a record-breaking season. So incredibly proud of this team and everything we accomplished together. It’s hard to put into words how much this team, this sport, and all the memories we’ve made mean to me. From the long matches and tough losses to the biggest wins, laughs, and moments I’ll never forget, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Tennis has given me so much more than just a sport — it’s given me some of my favorite memories, friendships, and people who have made these past four years so special.”
Steele added: “I’m so thankful I got to be a part of such an amazing team and end my senior season on such a high note. Leaving this chapter behind is bittersweet, but I’ll forever be proud to be a Fairfield tennis player. One last time for the orange and black — forever a part of something special.”
