Bulldogs trounce Bears in tennis season opener

MOSCOW — Sandpoint swept all six doubles matches en route to a 9-3 win over 4A North rival Moscow in the tennis season opener on Wednesday in Moscow.

Michele Rockwell and Kennedy Search posted straight set wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles to pace the girls team, while Kane Wijngaarden came through with the match of the day, rallying from a 5-1 third set deficit to win at No. 2 boys singles.

“Both players were pounding the ball from the baseline with strong ground strokes,” said Bulldogs head coach Kent Anderson of the hard fought match. “It was Kane’s ability to change his game and attack the net that turned it around.”

Kevin Kirby loast a tight three-set match to Hunter Levy at No. 1 singles, in what figures to be the first of many battles between the league foes this season.

Many of the doubles matches were tightly contested, and the Sandpoint wins bode well for the future considering Moscow has likely had far more court time early in the season.

Anderson said newcomers Nathan Schwartz and Bailey Scrimsher overwhelmed their mixed doubles opponents with speed and athleticism, as the duo continues to gain experience.

“The team looked strong and played well,” said Anderson. “I didn’t know what to expect after four weeks in the gym. It was a good first showing.”

Sandpoint is at the two-day Lake City Tournament starting on Friday.

BOYS SINGES — No. 1, Hunter Levy, Mos, d. Kevin Kirby, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. No. 2, Kane Wijngaarden, Spt, d. Royce Yaezemko, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. No. 3, Sean Chenowith, Mos, d. Alex Charvoz, 6-2, 6-1.

BOYS DOUBLES — No. 1, Drew and Micah Buckmiller, Spt, d. Tom Behre/Joe Zabriske, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. No. 2, Alex Hon/Carson Nygren, Spt, d. Zach Fender/Phone Lampman, 6-2, 6-2.

GIRLS SINGLES — No. 1, Michele Rockwell, Spt, d. Helen Donelick, 6-3, 6-2. No. 2, Kennedy Search, Spt, d. Molly Jennings, 6-0, 6-1. No. 3, Jessica Jennings, Mos, d. Paula Paños, 6-2, 6-4.

GIRLS DOUBLES — No. 1, Megan Rockwell/Courtney Windju, Spt, d. Allison Anders/Kayla Lewis, 6-4, 6-1. No. 2, Katy Mares/Emily Chatburn, Spt, d. Jane Walden/Emily Nagler, 7-6, 7-5.

MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1, Talbot Callister/Nicolette Jessen, Spt, d. Ken Weaver/Kaylee Myler, 6-4, 7-6. No. 2, Nathan Schwartz/Bailey Scrimsher, Spt, d. Matt Pancheri/Moia Eno, 6-2, 6-1.