To be able to play at state as a high school athlete is a reward for the culmination of a lot of hard work, but to do it twice, and with your sister to boot, senior Madison Lamers and sophomore Megan Lamers both say, “it’s truly a blessing.”

After qualifying last season, the Roncalli/Two Rivers doubles siblings are returning to the WIAA State Girls Individual Tennis Tournament.

The tournament begins Thursday afternoon, and this trip is truly a family affair. Their mother, Kristin Lamers, coaches them.

She tells Seehafer Sports that there was a point early on this season when she thought her daughters could return to Madison.

“I feel that when they defeated Lincoln at the Preble (Green Bay) Invitational in late August, I feel the two of them looked at each other and said we are playing Division Two matches a majority of the season, knowing that they were going to move up to Division One for postseason competition. I truly believe that victory over Lincoln was a true motivator for them.”

This trip to Madison almost didn’t happen, as Megan broke her collarbone during the offseason. She describes what happened.

“I was playing basketball, a girl and I collided, and it (the collarbone) broke on impact. I was on the ground, and I first said that I wouldn’t be able to play tennis this season. I was very worried, and my mom was very mad. It ended up being fine, but I was very upset.”

Nine screws and a plate were needed to repair her collarbone surgically, and with 12 intense weeks of therapy and encouragement from her sister, she was cleared to play, sending sighs of relief to all involved in this journey.

It is a journey that continues Thursday afternoon when they face seniors Taylor Pressler and Ally Quaschnink from Eau Claire North in their opening match in The Division One Field.

Madison on the Huskies duo.

“They’re not much different than us. The key to victory is to sustain energy throughout the match and come out strong.”

Madison got “very emotional” knowing that her career would end after state.

“I’ve given it my all. I don’t regret anything. It’ll be hard to put down my racket for the last time, but I’m happy with how this season went.”

The Lamers sisters are scheduled to take to the court at 2:45 p.m.