Bulldog tennis team opens season in Lewiston

LEWISTON — Whatever rust was knocked off when the Bulldog tennis team served it up in the season opener on Saturday in Lewiston was quickly washed away by rain, with only two full matches completed before the rains hit.

Bulldog head coach Kent Anderson didn’t know what to expect after practicing in-doors all season and knowing North Idaho power Lewiston has been outside for weeks. He like what he saw in the first action of the year.

“I am proud of this team. After a grand total of three full outdoor practices, we went out and played Lewiston like veterans,” he said. “Plus, we were missing many of our top players.”

Patrick Rockwell, playing No. 2 singles, shocked everyone by beating his opponent 10-1 with a dominating net game, big serves and solid ground strokes for the Bulldogs’ lone victory.

The only other match that finished was at No. 1 mixed doubles, where Noah Hastings and Hadley Goodwin lost in a tight match.

Liz Parsley and Tessa Beeman were sharp at No. 1 girls doubles, leading 8-3 before the rain hit. The two caught the eye of Anderson.

“Liz’s net game is scary. She hits bullets so effortlessly,” he said. “Tessa has developed into a consistent and confident force while making the huge jump from JV last year to No. 1 doubles. That is amazing.”

Jacob Jackson was mounting an impressive comeback at No. 1 singles before the rains came. Jackson was hammering his forehand against a consistent and quick opponent, in a match Anderson felt would have come down to the wire.

Charlie Crane and Declan Plummer found themselves in a battle at No. 1 boys doubles, trailing 8-4 in a match to 10.

“Charlie and Dec have some of the quickest hands on the team, and they were using them well in this slugfest,” said Anderson. “Again, the rain stopped their comeback.”

Freshman Jenny Slaveck, playing her first match ever at any level, used her smooth ground strokes and strong serve to go head-to-head against a strong opponent at No. 3 singles.

“Slaveck will be a force to deal with for the next four years,” predicted Anderson, who is chomping at the bit to finally get some tennis in. “This will be a fun year to watch.”