Three Outlaws compete in state tennis

Three players from the boys' tennis team competed at the state championships held at the University of Oregon's tennis center Thursday through Saturday, May 19-21.

Ben Fullhart (No. 1 singles) started with a pigtail match on Thursday night. Fullhart defeated Justin Chen from Blanchet Catholic 6-1, 6-3.

"Ben started the match a little slow, and both boys were nervous," said Coach Garth Tosello. "Ben was more consistent at the end and able to out-think his opponent for the win."

On Friday morning, Fullhart lost 4-6, 4-6, to Marc Leef of Oregon Episcopal (No. 4 seed).

"Ben played much better in this match and there were many deuce games," said Tosello. "This one just slipped away."

Fullhart moved into the consolation bracket and beat Marion Willecke of Condon in an 8-2 pro set. Fullhart's serve came alive and he attacked the net.

Ben advanced to the semi-final round of consolation on Saturday and defeated Tennyson Wintas of Vale, 8-1. Fullhart continued with good serves and hit quite a few passing shots off the forehand.

In the finals, it switches from pro sets back to winning two of three sets. Fullhart lost 0-6, 0-6 to A.J. Ryan of Delphian and finished with a second-place finish in consolation.

"Ben continued to play well but came up against a tough player (Ryan) who lost a very close match earlier to Trevor Brown of Crook County (No. 3 seed), who made it to the semi-finals of the main draw."

Colby Gilmore and Austin Williams (Sisters' No. 1 doubles team) lost 2-6, 1-6, to Adam Quandt and Connor Picken of Valley Catholic in the first round of the main draw. Quandt and Picken proved to be a fantastic doubles team who went on to finish second at state.

Gilmore and Williams moved into the consolation bracket and won the first round. The duo defeated Jordan Curtis and Lukas Huggins of Baker 9-8 (7-4). The boys started slow and the match was tight with the score 3-2. Gilmore and Williams picked up the pace and earned the win.

"Colby and Austin put it away with precise lobbing and good volleys," said Tosello.

Gilmore and Williams lost 2-8 to Ryan Stack and Manau Kohli of Oregon Episcopal in the second round. Stack and Kohli, who placed second at state last year, went on to win in consolation.

"Colby and Austin played well and continued to fight but weren't able to overcome them," said Tosello. "They finished tied for third place."

LaSalle Prep won the state tournament and Catlin Gable was runner-up. Phoenix and Valley Catholic tied for third. The Outlaws finished 15th out of 26 teams.