Bulldogs home opener against Trojans rained out

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint tennis team looked sharp to start the season, before rains came and spoiled their season opener against Post Falls on Friday at Travers Park and Lakeview Courts.

Senior sisters April and Amy Clark looked sharp in an 8-2 win over Madi Lahr and Shery Mae Espina at No. 1 girls doubles, one of two matches that finished before rain suspended the rest of the dual.

Even though it was rained out, Bulldog head coach Kent Anderson liked what he saw from his team, which just recently got outside to practice. He praised the play of the Clark sisters.

“This was their first time playing at the No. 1 position and they responded with confidence,” described Anderson. “They used their standard consistent volleys and groundstrokes throughout the match and never lost composure.”

Declan Plummer scored a 10-2 win over Danny Alaverez at No. 1 boys singles, the only other match to get completed.

“Declan employed his trademark weapons, big topspin forehands and overwhelming quickness, to frustrate his opponent right from the first point,” described Anderson. “It’ll be fun watching his progress as we get some decent spring weather to continue our stroke development.”

Returning 5A state players Jason Benton and Mason Nagrone of Post Falls led Sandpoint freshmen Christian Story and Charlie Johnson 7-3 in No. 1 boys doubles before their match was suspended.

“Even though they were behind 7-3, the points were long and hard,” described Anderson. “The Post Falls team were big hitters but it didn’t phase our boys at all. It was exciting to see these two freshmen play at such a high level in their first high school match ever.”

Tessa Beeman and Olivia Ramirez played together at No. 2 girls doubles for the first time and were also in a tight battle with Maddie Sunnel and Amber Steenburgh.

“They both have wonderful groundstrokes and solid net games. It takes time to adjust to new partners and they were beginning to gel when the rain stopped play,” said Anderson. “We still had some big guns sitting on the sideline waiting for their matches when the rain and snow arrived. There just isn’t much of a drop-off from top to bottom of our roster.”