Woodruff, Warrer pace SHS tennis team at regionals

MOSCOW - Hailey Woodruff and Ashley Warrer teamed up to win in three sets in girls doubles, leading the Sandpoint tennis team during the first day of the 4A Region 1 championships in Moscow.

Woodruff filled in for Jess Lindenberg, who was unable to attend due to illness, and gelled with Warrer as they knocked off Moscow's No. 1 team 6-0, 4-6, 6-1. Alison Fister and Reb Johnson defeated Moscow's No. 2 team 6-2, 6-2 to highlight a strong day of doubles.

Abby Helander beat Moscow's No. 2 in straight sets 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, Bailey Merwin lost 6-3, 6-3 to Moscow's No. 3 and Miranda Carter lost 6-3, 6-1 to Moscow's No. 1 to round out the girls' action.

Dustin Pierce never lost a game in downing Moscow's No. 3 in boys singles. Mike Berg lost 6-2, 6-0 to Moscow's No. 1, and Steven Gavin lost 6-3, 6-0 to Moscow's No. 2 to round out the boys singles.

Mikka Nostdahl and Justin Pierce dropped only one game in routing Moscow's No. 2 team in boys doubles. Nik Thorell and Cameron Hay lost 6-0, 6-3 to Moscow's No. 1 team.

Piper Wahlin and Ryan Williams dispatched Moscow's No. 2 mixed doubles team 6-0, 6-2, and remain a heavy favorite to win it all. Dash Kamp and Justine Clawson came up with a surprise win for Sandpoint, winning 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 over Lakeland's No. 1 team, then fell to Moscow's No. 1 team 6-2, 6-2.

“Everyone kind of started slow, but stepped up as the day wore on,” said head coach Jane Rockwell of the first day. “Justine and Dash played really strong doubles, working their opponents with strong net play.”

Action resumes today at 10 a.m., with matches likely going into the late afternoon.