Sandpoint tennis team falls in home opener
SANDPOINT — The bad news is that the Sandpoint tennis team lost 9-3 to Lewiston in their first home match of the season on a sun-soaked afternoon.
The good news is that two freshman, Dustin Pierce and Mikka Nostdahl, both won tough three-set matches at No. 1 and 2 boys singles. Coach Jane Rockwell said both wins came as a bit of a surprise.
"Consistency is what won the matches, getting the ball over the net one more time," said Rockwell, whose team is equally young and talented. "I'm going to have them for the next four years, and they can only get better."
Pierce lost the first set to Jeremiah Robinson, before rallying to win the last two for a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over Lewiston's top player. Nostdahl won 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 after Rockwell switched him to singles for the first time all season.
"I thought I'll throw him in there and see what happens," said Rockwell of the scrappy Nostdahl. "I was pleasantly surprised. He's quick as lightning and gets every ball back. He has those soccer legs, runs everything down."
Robbie Carne and Eyan Quayle rallied for a three set win in No. 2 boys doubles for the Bulldogs only other win. Sandpoint does not play again until after spring break.
LEWISTON 9, SANDPOINT 3
BOYS SINGLES — No. 1, Dustin Pierce, Spt, d. Robinson 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. No. 2, Mikka Nostdahl, Spt, d. Hayne 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. No. 3, Brown, Lew, d. Nik Thorell 6-0, 6-0.
BOYS DOUBLES — No. 1, Sarbacher/Laplante, Lew, d. Justin Vaughn/Ryan Williams 6-3, 6-1. No. 2, Robbie Carne/Eyan Quayle d. Lawrence/Hites 6-7 (7-3), 6-1, 6-4.
GIRLS SINGLES — No. 1, Hewett, Lew, d. Abby Helander 6-3, 6-1. No. 2, Fong, Lew, d. Jess Lindenberg 6-0, 6-0. No. 3, Wold, Lew, d. Hailey Woodruff 6-1, 6-0.
GIRLS DOUBLES — No. 1, Kucera/Woodleif, Lew, d. Victoria Johnson/Ashley Warrer 6-0, 6-2. No. 2, Johnson/Wilks, Lew, d. Emma Millar/Andrea Neece 6-1, 6-1.
MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1, Cawley/Covert, Lew, d. Adam Durfee/Jessie Novak 6-1, 6-2. No. 2, Seibert/Tutcher, Lew, d. Mike Colby/Meggie Cafferty 6-2, 6-2.