Bulldog tennis team falls to Lewiston in opener

LEWISTON — Kevin Kirby, Sophia Meulenberg and Michelle Rockwell each notched impressive wins in singles, but it wasn’t enough as Sandpoint fell 8-4 to Lewiston in season-opening tennis action Wednesday afternoon in Lewiston.

Lewiston featured a potent brother and sister combo at No. 1 boys and girls singles, both of whom attend the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, and with Mikka Nostdahl in New York, the Bulldogs had to juggle their lineup slightly. Nonetheless, head coach Kent Anderson was pleased with his team’s play.

“Kevin just wore his guy down, and was incredibly consistent as always,” said Anderson, who also praised the play of Meulenberg. “She was awesome; consistent strokes and kept everything away from her opponent.”

Rockwell beat a solid player in her first varsity match at No. 3 singles, and Mica Wolcott and Susan Williams teamed up to dominate their opponents at No. 1 girls doubles.

Sandpoint is at Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday in another telling early season Inland Empire League match.

n LEWISTON 8, SANDPOINT 4

BOYS SINGLES — No. 1, Hewitt, Lew, d. Ben Hardy, 6-0, 6-1. No. 2, Kevin Kirby, Spt, d. Ohmen, 6-1, 6-1. No. 3, White, Lew, d. Matt Durfee, 6-0, 6-0.

BOYS DOUBLES — No. 1, Rice/Levitt, Lew, d. Drew Buckmiller/Steven Gavin, 6-7, 7-4, 7-5. No. 2, Grant/Krauss, Lew, d. Carson Nygren/Andy Meyer, 7-6 (7-2), 6-0.

GIRLS SINGLES — No. 1, Hewitt, Lew, d. Piper Wahlin, 6-1, 6-1. No. 2, Sophia Meulenberg, Spt, d. Martin, 6-2, 6-0. No. 3, Michelle Rockwell, Spt, d. Scott, 7-5, 6-2.

GIRLS DOUBLES — No. 1, Susan Williams/Mica Wolcott, Spt, d. Davis/Burhap, 7-5, 6-3. No. 2, Beasley/Wynhort, Lew, d. Crystal Clark/Brittany Claffey, 6-0, 6-1.

MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1, Mecham/Dopp, Lew, d. Meranda Carter/Stefan Buratto, 6-1, 6-2. No. 2, Lawrence/Rietz, Lew, d. Azumi Smith/Chris Nicolls, 6-3, 6-2.