Outlaws outpace Madras on the court

The boys tennis team defeated Madras (5A) 5-3 in their first match of the season on Friday, March 14, despite the fact they were short five varsity players due to ineligibility and illness. The team had to play in nasty, cold and windy weather. The conditions didn't stop Sisters from sweeping the White Buffs in singles competition.

Number one singles player Evan Sims defeated Jonathan Hutchins 7-5, 6-0. Sims started out cold and struggled to take the first set. From there, he picked it up and closed Hutchins out fast in the second set.

Charlie Phillips (No. 2 singles) earned a 7-5, 7-5 win over Jason Garcia in a very gutsy match.

"Charlie refused to give up," said Coach Boyd Stuwe. "Charlie played the most tenacious I've ever seen him play. He came from behind in the second set to win it."

Dylan Stuwe, who has never played a singles match in his high school career, played at the No. 3 singles spot. Stuwe defeated Daniel Bueno 6-2, 6-2.

"Being a doubles player Dylan serves and then comes to the net," said Coach Stuwe. "He did the same thing today in singles, and it took Bueno clear out his game. He (Bueno) just didn't know how to react to it and was confused that a singles player wasn't playing the baseline."

Will Newport (No. 4 singles) picked his opponent to pieces to easily win 6-0, 6-1.

Freshmen players Scott Everson and Ben Fullhart (No. 2 doubles) were the only doubles team to earn a win for the day. The duo defeated Brian Anderson and Trevor Schongalla 7-6, 6-1.

"Scott and Ben could have easily lost the tie breaker but toughened up to win it and then kept the hammer down to win the second set. It was a big confidence booster for them," said Coach Stuwe.

Stuwe added: "Our No. 3 and No. 4 doubles teams lost in split sets. I felt the guys did a great job considering they were inexperienced with only a month of tennis under their belts and some were JV players that I had to pull up at the last minute. I'm very pleased they took it to three sets. As for the match it's always nice to beat Madras, especially when we're shorthanded."

The Outlaws will play at Stayton on Tuesday, March 18 and then at Black Butte Ranch against Summit on Thursday.