Lady Outlaws take down White Buffs

The Lady Outlaws tennis team turned in a strong performance in their 6-2 win over the White Buffaloes at Madras on Monday, April 4.

Amity Calvin (No. 1) played a very consistent and patient match against Shani Rehwinkel. Calvin capitalized on Rehwinkel's mistakes and won the match 6-2, 6-4. Megan Minke's power shots were difficult to return and helped Minke to dominate play in her 6-2, 6-4 win over Kayla Flowers.

Chloe Stein (No. 3 singles) rolled over Stephanie Garcia 6-0, 6-0.

"Chloe had a breakthrough in her game," said Dale. "Her ground strokes, forehand and backhand and footwork set herself up for the shots and her game just took off."

On the doubles side, Elise Herron and Jen Houk (No. 1) defeated Celina Aira and Karina Romero 6-2, 7-6, 7-5. The duo dominated the first match but then lost in a very close second set. Herron and Houk came back and finished strong with very successful net play to get the win in the tie-break.

Shelbi Thompson and Paige Tosello (No. 3) beat Mercedes Lawerence and Ivette Ruiz 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Strong serves by Thompson helped the duo win the tie-break.

Savannah Spear stepped up from JV to join Olivia Miller at the No. 4 singles spot. Miller and Spear beat Diana Gonzalez and Kaitlyn Carter 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Miller and Spear figured out how to play as a team in the first set, came back to win the second set and then dominated completely in the tie-break.

"The match speaks to Olivia's experience in mentoring Savannah and Savannah's willingness to step up, give her best effort and her athleticism," the coach told The Nugget.

Dale said she is very excited about this team and the season ahead.

"As the season progresses I think we're going to see the team's skills take off and improve and see lots of wins at matches," said Dale. "I'm hopeful for state finalists at Districts this year."

The team has been hard at work for the past month, practicing at the indoor courts at Bend Golf and Country Club. Dale is anxious for her team to get outdoors and practice at Black Butte Ranch and feels that the Lady Outlaws will play even better then.

Sisters was to travel to Junction City on April 12, and then to the Madras Tournament on Saturday, April 16.