Strong singles matches power Bulldogs past Vikings
COEUR d’ALENE — Mikka Nostdahl and Piper Wahlin posted decisive wins in both No. 1 singles matches, leading a singles sweep and helping propel the Bulldogs to a 7-5 win over Coeur d’Alene in Inland Empire League tennis action Tuesday at Coeur d’Alene High School.
Nostdahl, who is hoping to play tennis in college, looked sharp in his first match of the season, winning in straight sets over T.J. Kast.
“He played a kid with big top spin and a huge serve,” said Bulldogs coach Kent Anderson. “Mikka was quick and right on top of the ball.”
Ben Hardy was also sharp at No. 2 boys singles, using crisp passing shots to take apart his serve and volley opponent, and Matt Durfee, filling in for the injured Kevin Kirby, won in three sets for the boys sweep in singles.
Anderson also had high praise for the play of Wahlin, who he felt played within herself and learned much from a tough loss last week at Lewiston. Michelle Rockwell won a third set match at No. 3 girls singles, and Sophia Meulenberg ground down her opponent at No. 2 girls singles.
“She played a mirror image of herself and was incredibly consistent,” said Anderson of Meulenberg. “No one is going to beat her if they play her style.”
Steven Gavin and Drew Buckmiller teamed up for the Bulldogs only doubles victory, winning in straight sets at No. 1 boys doubles.
Sandpoint is off for a while, and will face 4A North rival Moscow on April 10.
BOYS
SINGLES — No. 1, Mikka Nostdahl, Spt, d. T.J. Kast, 6-3, 6-3. No. 2, Ben Hardy, Spt, d. Ethan Waite, 6-1, 6-1. No. 3, Matt Durfee, Spt, d. Tyler Turrell, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
DOUBLES — No. 1, Steve Gavin/Drew Buckmiller, Spt, d. Jarred McEvers/Topher Carson, 6-4, 6-1. No. 2, John Campbell/Kyle Koffey, Cd’A, d. Carson Nygren/Stefan Buratto, Spt, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.
GIRLS
SINGLES — No. 1, Piper Wahlin, Spt, d. Brooke Fowler, 6-1, 6-2. No. 2, Sophia Meulenberg, Spt, d. Sonja Jacobson, 6-3, 6-0. No. 3, Michelle Rockwell, Spt, d. Mary Fisher, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
DOUBLES — No.1, Nicole DeMarco/Jillian Grutta, Cd’A, d. Susan Williams/Mica Wolcott, 6-2, 6-4. No. 2: Maddie Matheson/Sloane Butterbaugh, Cd’A, d. Meranda Carter/Crystal Clark, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1 — Maddison Leonard/Ryan Humphries, Cd’A, d. Danette Mauck/Kevin Bucalo, 7-5, 6-4. No. 2, Joe Mitchell/Aubrey Turner, Cd’A, d. Brittany Claffey/Chris Nicolls, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.