Wampus Cat tennis team primed for district tourney

LEWISTON — A handful of Wampus Cats scored impressive wins at a league meet on Saturday in Lewiston.

The results of Saturday’s action helped set the seeding for the upcoming 1A-2A District 1-2 championships coming this weekend in Lewiston, where the league gets five entries to state in each category.

Lily Simko and Grace Shelton are seeded No. 3 in girls doubles, while Wesley Simko and Blaine Williams are seeded No. 3 in boys doubles, to a spot at state could be in the cards with some solid play. Sophie McMahon and Ellie Lambert are seeded No. 5 in girls doubles, and Madison Williams in seeded No. 6 in girls singles.

“It’s going to be an exciting two days at districts, as all of them have a chance of qualifying for state,” said Cats head coach Jeff Emmer. “There’s a lot of close competition for the 3rd to 5th place spots in each category.”

First year players Wesley Simko, Blaine Williams, Madison Williams, and McMahon have really stepped it up in the last half of the season, following the lead of experienced players Shelton, Lambert and Lily Simko.

“The whole team has been such a pleasure to coach this year. They’re always so encouraging to each other,” described Emmer. “I credit my experienced players, Lily, Grace and Ellie with a lot of the reason the new players have done so well. Just a great group of kids.”

The district tournament is Friday and Saturday in Lewiston.

GIRLS DOUBLES

Sophie McMahon/Elle Lambert, CF, def Martinez/Roever, Orofino, 8-5; Tosten/Lutz, Grangeville, def McMahon/Lambert, 8-0; Roberts/Vanguten, Grangeville, def McMahon/Lambert CF 8-3; Tosten/Lutz, Grangevill, def Lily Simko/Grace Shelton, 8-3; Roberts/Vanguten, Grangeville, def Simko/Shelton, 8-4.

GIRLS SINGLES

Madison Williams, CF, def Shaffer, Culdesac, 8-2; Edmondson, Clearwater Valley, def Williams, 8-5; Williams def Voisard, Orofino, 8-0; Lydia, Clearwater Valley, def Ellie Lambert, CF, 9-7.

BOYS SINGLES

Wesley Simko, CF, def Martinez, Orofino, 8-3.

MIXED DOUBLES

Hauger/Rueter, Grangeville, def Sophie McMahon/Wesley Simko, 8-6.