Girls tennis competes at state

The girls tennis team sent their No. 1 doubles team, Jen Houk and Elise Herron, to compete in the state championships, which were held at the tennis Center in the athletic complex at the University of Oregon Thursday through Saturday, May 19-21.

The duo was eliminated in the pigtail in the first draw. The pigtail is a qualifying round, where you have to win before you are entered into the main draw.

Houk and Herron lost 2-6, 6-7 (8-10) to Cassy Lematta and Samar Sakih of Oregon Episcopal on Thursday. Jen and Elise lost the first set but picked up their play in the second set and started to play their game. They suffered a heartbreaking loss in the tiebreaker and lost their opportunity to advance further in the tournament.

Coach Marti Dale said, "It was pretty exciting for the girls to play at the University of Oregon on their outdoor courts, and it was a bit overwhelming. It was a great experience for them. In the days and weeks leading up to this point they took their game to the next level. They'll be back stronger for next year and will be even better prepared for a chance at the state tournament."

Crook County took top honors with a first-place finish and Oregon Episcopal was runner-up. Catlin Gable, St. Mary's and Vale all finished in a three-way tie for third.