Boys tennis wraps up league play

The boys tennis team beat Bend's JV team by taking the number of sets won (9-7) with four matches won by each team, on Thursday, April 26. Two days later the Outlaws lost 3-4 to Henley and defeated Hidden Valley 8-0 in a round-robin tournament held at Black Butte Ranch.

In Thursday's action, Luke Gnos (No. 1 singles) got the Outlaws started with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Ceasar Villaricenzio.

"Luke used aggressive slice shots to come to the net, and his well placed volleys gave him the win," said Coach Garth Tosello.

At the No. 4 spot, Tyrell Gilmore beat Jakab Sestak 7-6 (9-7), 2-6, (10-6).

"Tyrell won the first set in an exciting tie-break win," said Tosello. "Long rallys made it a long match. Tyrell fell behind early in the final set match-break, but his deeper and consistent shots gave him the win."

The No. 1 doubles team of Evan Rickards and Devon Calvin dominated play and beat Andrew Harris and Shane Segal in two quick sets with scores of 6-0, 6-1.

Tyler Baldessari and Trevor Standen (No. 2 doubles) beat Jaden Harris and Shane Segal 1-6, 7-6 (7-5) (10-4).

"This was the most exciting match of the day," said Tosello. "Angled volleys, passing shots, lobs and scrambling around the court was involved in most every point. After a slow start they began to play as a team and covered each other's backs."

On Saturday, the Outlaws matched up against a tough Henley team.

Paul Fullhart (No. 1 singles) lost his first set against Alex Mangan 0-6. Mangan was on fire with a strong ground-stroke game and easily won the first set. Fullhart came back to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-3.

"Paul used a more consistent forehand and occasional net play in the second and third sets to pull off the win," said Tosello.

In doubles play, Robert Small and Jared Kaping (No. 3) beat Jeff Rowe and Black Preston 6-3, 6-3. In only their second match together, Small and Kaping's strong net play and their quick feet earned them the win in two straight sets.

Ethan Stengel and Nathan Kaping (No. 4) won due to forfeit.

"Overall, the team gave a solid effort against a tough opponent and almost came away with a win," said Tosello.

The Outlaws beat Hidden Valley 8-0.

Fullhart controlled the entire match against Bulmavo Mendoza and won in two straight sets 6-0, 6-1.

"Paul's heavy forehand was too much for his opponent, and this created lots of errors," said Tosello.

Gnos (No. 2) beat Kyle Boyd 6-2, 6-3. Tosello told The Nugget that Luke fired off blazing serves throughout the match, mixed up good volleys and attacked the net to earn the convincing win.

Hidden Valley had to forfeit No. 3 and No. 4 singles and all four doubles' matches.

Of the tournament, Tosello said, "We played a Henley team today who is probably one of the top three teams going to districts. We have a little work to do; mostly in solidifying our No. 3 and No. 4 doubles. Our main goal moving forward is to put in additional court-time this week with a focus on serving and doubles strategy. Then, we will be ready for districts.

"Our top two doubles and singles are beginning to hit their stride, and the rest of the team has been improving quickly," added Tosello. "To finish in the top three at districts would be good, but as always our goal is to defend our district championship from last year."

The Outlaws will play at districts, held in Medford, May 6-8.