Parsley, Connor lead Bulldogs past Bears
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Koen Connor and the Bulldogs scored a solid 7-5 win over Moscow, avenging their only loss of the season from the first match of the year.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Liz Parsley teamed with Connor to earn a crucial win at No. 1 mixed doubles, scoring a tie-breaking win in dramatic fashion.
SANDPOINT — Liz Parsley and Koen Connor won in straight sets at No. 1 doubles, including a 7-5 tie-breaker in the second set, to lead the Bulldogs to a 7-5 win over Moscow in a 4A Inland Empire League tennis clash on Wednesday at Travers Park.
It was the last chance for the Bulldogs to face their league rival before districts this weekend, and the mixed doubles team win helped avert a tie against a strong and equally deep Bears’ team.
“The match point was a classic,” described Bulldog head coach Kent Anderson of the tie-breaker. “Koen dug out a difficult cross court shot to keep the point alive, and Liz closed on the net and crushed an overhead to end the match.”
Laney Search and Khloe Kyllonen rolled in straight sets at No. 1 girls doubles, and appear primed to not just win districts, but possibly make a run at a state title. Freshman Jenny Slaveck continued her incredible string at No. 3 singles, never dropping a game in a league match this year.
Jacob Jackson and Patrick Rockwell won 6-4, 6-2 at No. 1 boys doubles, in a match that featured some big hitting from both teams, as well as some deft net play, which is equally crucial in doubles.
“All four players had extremely quick hands so you never could be sure when the point was over,” said Anderson. “The reflex volleys were amazing. Patrick and Jacob are ready for a run at state.”
The Bulldogs end the season at 11-1-1, with the only loss being the first match of the season before they had practiced outdoors.
Sandpoint is at Moscow today for the 4A Region 1 Tennis Championships, with two state berths awarded to girls and boys singles, girls and boys doubles, and mixed doubles. The two-day, double-elimination tournament concludes on Saturday in Moscow.
SANDPOINT 7, MOSCOW 5
GIRLS SINGLES — No. 1, Moscow d. Allura Livingston, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. No. 2, Moscow d. Alana Seifert, 6-4, 6-3. No. 3, Jenny Slaveck, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-0, 6-0.
GIRLS DOUBLES — Laney Search/Khloe Kyllonen, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-2, 6-0. No. 2, Amy Clark/April Clark, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-4, 6-1.
BOYS SINGLES — No. 1, Moscow d. Juan Dorado, 6-3, 6-4. No. 2, Andre Kemink, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-2, 6-4. No. 3, Qamron Leonard, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-7, 6-4, (10-8).
BOYS DOUBLES — No. 1, Jacob Jackson/Patrick Rockwell, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-4, 6-2. No. 2, Moscow d. Declan Plummer/Shane Curtis, 7-6, 6-1.
MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1, Liz Parsley/Koen Connor, Spt, d. Moscow, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). No. 2, Moscow d. Charlie Crane/Tessa Beeman, Spt, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7).