Emerging Sandpoint tennis team downs Post Falls 7-5

SANDPOINT — Abby Helander’s hard-fought, come-from-behind victory over Hailey Sullivan in No. 1 girls singles proved to be the difference as Sandpoint defeated Post Falls 7-5 in IEL tennis action Tuesday at Travers Park and Lakeview Courts.

Helander lost the first set 7-5, then rallied to win the next two sets 6-2, 7-6, winning 7-4 in the third set tie breaker.

“That Post Falls gal played very similar to Abby,” said head coach Jane Rockwell. “Both keep the ball in play and have occasional power. She (Helander) just has true grit; never gives up.”

Dash Kamp and Justine Clawson won in straight sets in mixed doubles, continuing to emerge after a solid showing in last weekend’s Spokane tournament.

“They just stepped up their whole game a notch,” said Rockwell. “They’re having fun and they’re so athletic.”

Rockwell added that Bailey Merwin had her best match of the year in defeat as she moved up to No. 2 girls singles for the first time. Alison Fister and Reb Johnson dropped the first set before rallying to win the next two. The No. 2 girls doubles team continues to improve as they’ve finally began to log sufficient court time.

Dustin Pierce won in straight sets at No. 1 boys singles, Mikka Nostdahl and Justin Vaughn never dropped a game in an impressive showing at No. 2 boys doubles, and Piper Wahlin and Ryan Williams won in straight sets at No. 1 mixed doubles to round out the Bulldogs’ wins.

Sandpoint plays in the district tournament in Moscow Friday and Saturday.

SANDPOINT 7, POST FALLS 5

BOYS SINGLES — No. 1, Dustin Pierce, Spt, d. Austin Briggs, 6-1, 6-1. No. 2, Forrest Walker, PF, d. Steven Gavin, 6-0, 6-1. No. 3, Kolton Schertz, PF, d. Mike Berg, 6-1, 6-1.

BOYS DOUBLES — No. 1, Justin Vaughn/Mikka Nostdahl, Spt, d. Brady Espeland/Tyler Marines, 6-0, 6-0. No. 2, Dylan Cady/Zack Acher, PF, d. Cameron Hay/Nik Thorell, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

GIRLS SINGLES — No. 1, Abby Helander, Spt, d. Hailey Sullivan, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). No. 2, Emily Calton, PF, d. Bailey Merwin, 6-4, 7-5. No. 3, Hailey Woodruff, Spt, by forfeit.

GIRLS DOUBLES — No. 1, Alicia Holsapple/Alyssa Andrus, PF, d. Ashley Warrer/Jess Lindenberg, 6-3, 7-5. No. 2, Alison Fister/Reb Johnson, Spt, d. Courtney Harding/Jessica Maata, 2-6, 6-0, 6-3.

MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1, Piper Wahlin/Ryan Williams, Spt, d. Trevor Gaidjergis/Marion Detar, 7-5, 6-2. No. 2, Dash Kamp/Justine Clawson, Spt, d. Kyle Muncy/Taryn Russmiller, 6-1, 6-2.