By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Returning state champions Ainzley Zulueta of Hayden and Lauren Sweeney of Seaman are two wins away from another title, advancing to the semifinals in their respective state tournaments, while the Hayden doubles team of Lauren Sandstrom and Emily Sheetz also advanced to the final four.
Zulueta, who won the Class 4A state singles championship as a freshman, advanced to Saturday's semifinals with a pair of wins at Harmon Park.
Zulueta, now 26-2, earned her semifinal berth with a 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal win over Winfield senior Vivien Laszlo.
Sandstrom, a junior, and sophomore Sheetz (32-4) will play in a 4A doubles semifinal after going 2-0 on the day, including a 6-1, 6-4 win over Buhler in the quarterfinals.
Seaman's Sweeney, a senior, won a 5A doubles championship as a junior and will take a 31-5 record into the singles semifinals on Saturday in Andover.
Sweeney went 2-0 on Friday including a 6-2, 6-3 win over Andover's Gaddis in the state quarterfinals.
Several other Shawnee County players remained alive for state medalis, competing on the backside of the state brackets.
Saturday competition at all sites will get under way at 9 a.m.