Lady Outlaws win tennis tournament

The Lady Outlaws took first place at a five-team tennis tournament held at Black Butte Ranch on Saturday, April 27. Junction City, Mazama, Henley and Hidden Valley, all district foes, made it to the event.

Each round of play consisted of seven games or a 30-minute time limit, whichever came first. The total number of games won in all categories combined to determine the winning team.

Sisters won the tournament with a team score of 155, and Junction City was runner-up at 144. Remaining scores were: Mazama (96), Henley (86) and Hidden Valley (72).

The Outlaws' No. 2, 3 and 4 doubles teams each won all four of their rounds to earn a first-place finish.

Dani Rudinsky and Jessie Farr (No. 2 doubles) played well the entire tournament. The duo was aggressive at the net and their serves were accurate and consistent.

Kiley Sheldon and Kira Neil (No. 3 doubles) worked as a unit and hustled to the ball, which resulted in a very successful day and a first-place finish.

Brenna Weems and Isabel Tara (No. 4 doubles) rounded out the doubles winners.

"Brenna's and Isabel's strengths were their volleying, and it was extremely difficult when they both were aggressive at the net for the other team to get the ball past them," stated Coach Marti Dale. "They had very strong and consistent serves."

Haley Carlson (No. 3 singles) and Allie Spear (No. 4 singles) also won all of their rounds for a first-place finish.

"Haley is an excellent baseline player," said Dale. "She can hit the ball deep and can place the ball where it's difficult to return. Allie is a hustler. She has great footwork and hustles all over the court. She basically just outplayed her opponents.

"It was nice for the five teams in our district to get together once before district play and for the girls to see each other play. They got in a lot of games and the coaches got to see their players and get a good idea about seeding for districts."

The Outlaws are to play against Cascade and Mt. View at Black Butte Ranch on Saturday, May 4. Sisters added two matches to their schedule at Black Butte Ranch: May 1 against Mt. View JV and May 2 against Summit JV.