Sandpoint tennis outlasts Lake City 7-5
Junior Denali Terry returns a shot during singles action last Wednesday against Post Falls at Travers Park.
(File photo by DYLAN GREENE)
COEUR d'ALENE — Head coach Kent Anderson mixed things up again for the Sandpoint tennis team during Tuesday's match at Lake City — and it paid off.
The Bulldogs were able to hold off the Timberwolves and secure a 7-5 win in a tightly-contested match. SHS swept boys doubles and mixed doubles.
Anderson moved his top two boys singles players — Josh Embree and Christian Story — to the No. 1 doubles spot and the pair cruised to an 8-3 victory.
"[They] teamed up at first doubles for the first time and wowed the crowd with dominating crisp volleys and huge serves," Anderson said. "These two will be very tough to beat if they decide to continue playing doubles together. Their contrasting styles create big problems for their opponents."
Charlie Johnson stepped into the No. 1 singles spot for the boys. He fell behind 4-1 in his battle with Lake City's Chris Peterson, but changed up his game plan and stormed back to win 9-7 by claiming eight of the last 11 games.
At girls doubles, the No. 1 pairing of Olivia Petruso and Denali Terry picked up their second victory of the season, 8-4.
"Olivia’s solid ground strokes and Denali’s animal instincts at the net ruled the day," Anderson said.
At No. 2 doubles for the boys, Tyler Korn and Carter Johnson continued their dominant, undefeated start to the season with an 8-4 win. Anderson said the duo had strong serves and great net play.
At mixed doubles, the No. 1 pairing of Josh Jessen and Maise Brazill earned a hard-fought 9-7 victory, and Aden Heitz and Patch Howard grabbed a 8-6 win at No. 2.
Adrian Doty showcased her skills at the No. 3 girls singles spot with a 8-6 victory to remain undefeated.
Freshman Neva Reseska fell just short at No. 1 singles, 9-7. Maile Evans and Berkeley Cox lost 8-6 in girls doubles.
The Bulldogs lost by default at No. 2 singles on the girls side, but Terry still played an exhibition match against Lake City's Lucy Mendez and shut her out 8-0.
Sandpoint heads to Post Falls at 3 p.m. Thursday for a match.
Sandpoint 7, Lake City 5.
Sandpoint athletes in bold
BOYS SINGLES — No. 1, Charlie Johnson d. Chris Peterson, 9-7. No. 2, David Nesbit d. Tyler McNamee, 8-3. No. 3, Ethan Stowell, d. Brahma Heitz, 8-2.
BOYS DOUBLES — No. 1, Josh Embree/Christian Story, d. Ryland Hoit/Dallas Dixon, 8-3. No. 2, Tyler Korn/Carter Johnson, d. Zack Castaneda/Quade Castaneda, 8-4.
GIRLS SINGLES — No. 1, Maddie Nesbit, d. Neva Reseska, 9-7. No. 2, Lucy Mendez, d. Denali Terry, by default. No. 3, Adrian Doty, d. Gracie Gruber, 8-6.
GIRLS DOUBLES — No. 1, Olivia Petruso/Denali Terry, d. Riley O’Brien/Jaden Waters, 8-4. No. 2, Holly Burt/McKenzie Lommason, d. Maile Evans/Berkeley Cox, 8-6.
MIXED DOUBLES — No. 1, Josh Jessen/Maise Brazill, d. Matthew Nesbit/Cassiana Azzolini, 9-7. No. 2, Aden Heitz/Patch Howard, d. Bryce Snow/Maddie Nesbit, 8-6.