Bulldogs notch wins at state tennis

BOISE — Sandpoint registered several strong wins over the weekend at the 4A Idaho State Tennis Tournament in Boise.

Seniors Amy and April Clark posted a solid showing in girls doubles, downing Burley 6-4, 6-4 in consolation, before coming up short in a tight match 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 to Twin Falls to end their season.

“Amy and April played with well-earned swagger in their three Friday matches. The final match of their high school career was a heart pounding nail biter against a powerful Twin Falls team,” described Bulldog head coach Kent Anderson. “The two teams were perfectly matched as they elevated their games to their highest level. Even though it ended in defeat for the twins, they’ll remember the quality of that for the rest of their lives.”

Junior Allura Livingston lost a two-hour 7-5, 6-1 battle against Idaho Falls, before bouncing back to score her first state win over Middleton in consolation.

“Allura used every shot in her arsenal before falling in a first round marathon. They battled relentlessly back and forth using drop shots followed by crushing ground strokes and overheads as they tried to expose each other’s weakness,” described Anderson. “It was like watching a warrior chess game. Allura dominated her consolation round before falling in her third match of the day.”

Sophomore Jenny Slaveck lost a close 6-4, 6-2 match to eventual finalist Vallivue, before notching a solid straight set win over Idaho Falls in consolation. The two-sport athlete also excels in volleyball, and uses some of that hitting power for a weapon.

“Once again, Jenny’s serve was dominant and it attracted quite the crowd,” claimed Anderson.

Junior Alana Seifert opened against the No. 2 seed from Bishop Kelly in the first round, before getting eliminated in consolation, and Anderson said she proved to herself that she could compete at this level.

Senior Noah Hastings teamed with junior Tessa Beeman to beat Wood River 6-3, 6-4 to earn a win in consolation.

“Noah was in beast mode at the net the entire tournament while Tessa expertly set up point after point with deep ground strokes and strong volleys,” described Anderson. “The level of play at state can be overwhelming, but not for any of our players. They played high-level tennis throughout the tournament with passion and grittiness.”