Lady Outlaws fall to Cascade on tennis courts

The Lady Outlaws tennis team lost their first match of the season 2-6 to Cascade at Black Butte Ranch on Wednesday, March 31.

Exchange student Marine Tresnie (No. 1 singles) and Becky Thomas (No. 2 singles) both won their matches in three sets.

Tresnie defeated Yolanda Hernandez 0-6, 6-0, 7-5. It took Tresnie some time to adjust to the asphalt court, as she is used to the clay courts she played on in Belgium.

"Marine was excited to play her first match in America, and it took her awhile to adjust to the court and overcome her frustration," said Coach Marti Dale. "She also needed to figure out how to defend against Hernandez' counter slice."

Tresnie came back and shut out Hernandez in the second set with consistent serving and took complete control of the game. Marine went on to win the match with a tie-breaker in the third set.

Thomas beat Amanda Pruett 6-3, 3-6 and 7-5.

Dale told The Nugget that Thomas' footwork and powerful shots resulted in a great match and the win.

Overall, Dale was pleased with the Lady Outlaws and their first performance of the season.

"Considering this was our first match of the season, compared to Cascade's fourth, I think we really looked good," said Dale. "We were a little rusty after our week off, but the girls got used to playing under pressure and as the games proceeded they became stronger and more confident."

The Lady Outlaws' next match will be at Madras on Thursday, April 8.