Pierce leads Bulldogs at state tennis

BOISE - Dustin Pierce won twice in boys singles, and Piper Wahlin and Ryan Williams twice in mixed doubles, giving Sandpoint two chances at a state title after a sweltering first day at the 4A state tennis championships at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club.

Pierce cruised to a straight set win over his Pocatello opponent in the first round, then simply wore down his Kuna opponent in the second, splitting two marathon sets before cramps prevented his opponent from continuing. Pierce will play the No. 1 seed from Century today in the semi-finals, and the weather will be even warmer, making conditioning a huge factor in singles.

Bulldogs coach Jane Rockwell was thrilled at how well her team held up in the heat, considering its lack of any practice in such conditions this year.

“I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the kids are doing considering the season we've had,” she said. “They've stepped their tennis up a notch. I'm proud to be the coach of these kids.”

Piper Wahlin and Ryan Williams were sharp, using big serves and nice teamwork to win all four sets of tennis against their opponents from Columbia and Jerome. They're in the semis today against the No. 1 seeds from Hillcrest.

Justin Vaughn and Mikka Nostdahl had a stellar day in boys doubles, winning matches against opponents from Kuna and Bishop Kelley, before dropping a three-set match against Wood River, fatigue playing a factor as they lost the final two sets at 6-1. Rockwell said it's as good as she's seen the two play all year. They remain alive in consolation.

“I've never seen them play that well at the net; they were unstoppable,” she said, noting the third match of the first day caught up with them. “Heat is definitely a factor down here.”

Abby Helander is also alive in the consolation bracket after beating her Skyview opponent in straight sets before falling to a Century girl in the second round. She bounced back to roll to a straight set win in consolation, and will use her never-say-die skills today as she fights for a state place.

Ashley Warrer and Hailey Woodruff lost their first match, won their second, then were eliminated in the third to round out the Bulldogs' action.

BOYS SINGLES - Dustin Pierce, Spt, d. Tom Chambers, Pocatello, 6-0, 6-2. Pierce, Spt, d. Blake Kerbs, Kuna, 7-5, 6-7 (7-3), 1-3 (injury forfeit).

GIRLS SINGLES - Abby Helander, Spt, d. Alice Stansiu, Skyview, 6-2, 6-3. Liz Anderson, Century, d. Helander, Spt, 6-1, 7-6. Helander, Spt, d. Sophia Lopez, Skyview, 6-0, 6-1.

MIXED DOUBLES - Piper Wahlin/Ryan Williams, Spt, d. Sundwall/Joiner, Columbia, 6-2, 6-0. Wahlin/Williams, Spt, d. Fairbrother/Lasike, Jerome, 6-3, 6-2.

GIRLS DOUBLES - Barrow/Dean, Wood River, d. Ashley Warrer/Hailey Woodruff, Spt, 6-3, 6-2. Woodruff/Warrer, Spt, d. Dudlyea/Field, Skyview, 6-3, 6-2. Raass/Stiefel, Skyview, d. Woodruff/Warrer, Spt, 6-2, 6-0.