Girls tennis splits in double header

The girls tennis team split their matches in a double header at Black Butte Ranch on Saturday, April 12. Sisters defeated Klamath Union (KU) 5-3 in the first match and then fell 3-5 to Mazama.

In the first match against Klamath Union, the doubles teams swept the competition. Number-one doubles team Tori Miller and Ashley Garau came on strong to easily win the first set of their match at 6-2 against opponents Jessica Chan and Taylor Richy. Miller and Garau had to work very hard to earn the 7-6 win in the second set. Tori and Ashley had a successful end to their match and were able to put away winning shots in the 7-5 tiebreaker.

Marin Allen and Jacquie Bryan (No. 2) earned a decisive 6-2, 6-1 victory over Bethany Devish and Lillian Kanselau. Allen and Bryan played smart tennis with well placed shots in their match. Olivia Miller and Breezy Tewalt (No. 3) defeated Veronica Miller and Halie Budden 6-4, 6-3. Miller and Tewalt were consistent throughout and were able to keep the ball in play. Alyssa Eby and Hallie Pryor (No. 4) earned a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Taylor Werner and Lauren Rose. Eby and Pryor did a great job serving and their opponents had a difficult time trying to return their serves.

Number-three singles player Kirstie Burck also earned a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win over Izzy Oden of KU. Burck never let down, was consistent all around and focused on her baseline game.

Coach Marti Dale told The Nugget that in the next match against Mazama it got very hot down on the courts.

"The girls weren't used to the heat and really had to focus and try to keep their energy level up," said Dale.

Three of the doubles teams earned wins in the loss against Mazama.

Miller and Garau (No. 1) defeated Katie Bassur and Tamara McLaws 4-6, 6-4, and won the third set 7-6 in a 10-6 in the tiebreaker.

"They had a comeback in the tiebreaker," said Dale. "Their net play was great, and that won the match for them."

The No. 2 duo of Allen and Bryan defeated Julie Carcerrita and Mallory Eggline 6-2, 6-4.

"Marin (Allen) and Jacquie (Bryan) had well placed shots, a lot of good lobs and were very consistent in their serving," said Dale. "They move quick on the court and were able to return difficult shots."

Eby and Pryor (No. 4) beat Elena Smith and Marisol Ramerriz 7-5, 7-6 with a 10-6 tiebreaker.

"It was an intense, close game," said Dale. "They were very tired and hot, but they pulled through. They had to go deep in themselves to find the energy and strength to win."

The Lady Outlaws will travel to Junction City on Thursday, April 17, play Friday in Redmond and finish the week at the Madras tournament on Saturday.