Girls Tennis Finish 3rd at MHSAA State Finals
By Ben Sherman | Jun 5, 2026 4:45 PM
MIDLAND, Mich. – Forest Hills Northern showcased its depth and talent on the state's biggest stage, earning a third-place finish at the 2026 MHSAA Division 2 Girls Tennis Finals held in Midland. The Huskies accumulated 21 team points, finishing just one point behind runner-up Farmington Hills Mercy (22) and behind state champion Birmingham Seaholm (33). MHSAA D2 Results: https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Tennis-Girls/2025-26/D2-Final-Results.pdf?time=1781197230047 The Huskies were led by an impressive collection of singles and doubles players who advanced deep into the tournament and earned valuable team points throughout the weekend. State Runner-Up Performances Senior Harriet Ogilvie capped an outstanding tournament by advancing to the Division 2 State Championship Match at No. 1 Singles, Ogilvie reached the finals with victories over Port Huron's Kate VanHowe, North Farmington's Samantha Karoub, and Birmingham Seaholm's Jada Josifovski before finishing as the Division 2 State Runner-Up. At No. 4 Singles, sophomore Audrey Kowatch also advanced to the state championship match. Kowatch defeated competitors from Muskegon Mona Shores and Midland Dow before earning a semifinal victory over Port Huron Northern's Payton Barnett to secure a place in the finals and a Division 2 State Runner-Up finish. The Huskies added two more state runner-up finish at No. 2 & 4 Doubles, where Ava Targosz and Sadie Wolfe at No. 2 Doubles. The pair advanced championship match, earning a runners up finish in the state and critical team points for the Huskies. Maddie Decker and Mercedes Acevedo powered their way to the championship match. The duo advanced through the draw with dominant victories before reaching the finals and finishing second in the state. At No. 3 Doubles, Hayla Messelink and Hailey Pfeiffle advanced to the state semifinals before finishing among the tournament's top competitors. Their run contributed valuable points to Northern's team total. Forest Hills Northern's success was truly a team effort. Additional state qualifiers contributing to the Huskies' third-place finish included: Avery McKenzie (No. 2 Singles) Aanya Dogra (No. 3 Singles) Amelia Paul / Natalia Acevedo (No. 1 Doubles) The Huskies' third-place finish reflects the strength, depth, and consistency of the program from top to bottom. With three state runner-up finishes and multiple flights advancing into the later rounds of the tournament, Forest Hills Northern demonstrated its ability to compete with the best teams in Michigan. "This group represented Forest Hills Northern with tremendous pride, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence throughout the season," said Forest Hills Northern Athletic Director Ben Sherman. "To finish third in the state and have multiple athletes competing for state championships is a remarkable accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and coaches for their dedication and commitment to excellence." Final Team Standings Birmingham Seaholm – 33 Farmington Hills Mercy – 22 Forest Hills Northern – 21 Grosse Pointe South – 17 Midland Dow – 16 T-6. Forest Hills Central – 16