Girls tennis defeats Klamath Union

The girls tennis team started their week with a 5-3 win over Klamath Union on Tuesday, April 8. On Friday and Saturday the Lady Outlaws participated in the Bend Invitational.

In Tuesday's action the doubles teams swept their matches, and the No. 1 duo of Savannah Spear and Haley Carlson led the charge. Savannah and Haley dominated play on the court and didn't drop a game in their 6-0, 6-0 victory over Gracie Morgan and Tisha Bray. Coach Courtney Collins said that the combo has great chemistry and continues to be a steady force.

Brenna Weems and Dani Rudinsky also recorded a win at No. 2 doubles. Brenna and Dani blanked Mischelle Aluarado and Sarah Carter 6-0, 6-0 in their fun, fast and aggressive style.

Emma Tara and Kaila Hartman defeated Ellie Brown and Taylor Stark at No. 3 doubles with scores of 6-3, 7-5.

"These girls are typically singles players, and they played amazingly well together as a doubles team," said Collins. "They communicated well and seemed to play very naturally together on the court."

Lucy Pruitt and Alex Hartford rounded out the doubles matches with a solid 6-4, 6-3 win over Vanessa Sanchez and Ina Klein-Russman.

"Lucy and Alex simply rocked their debut match together," said Collins. "They had fun, worked hard and looked cute."

Allie Spear (No. 3 singles) was the Outlaws' lone winner in singles play. Allie won her first set against Mady Mirande 6-2 and then lost 4-6 in the second set. Spear went on to win 11-9 in the tiebreaker.

"Allie blew me away in this match," stated Collins. "Her serve was like a cannon, her baseline game was beautiful and she won one amazing ground-stroke point after another. I'm super-excited to see even more progress with this sponge of a girl."

Lacey Gilmore (No. 4 singles) lost 4-6, 3-6 in a tough battle against Kim Velasquez, but Coach Collins had nothing but praise for the young freshman player.

"Lacey was like a wall. She got everything back and was moving so well on the court," said Collins. "Ultimately, she was overpowered by her opponent. Lacey has a lot of talent, and I can literally see progress each week."

Collins said, "These girls were pumped up and ready to play! They have been rockin' it in practice and their commitment paid off against KU; they were aggressive and smart on the court, and every one of them gave 100 percent. You could tell they wanted it. They all played the best I have seen yet."

The Outlaws had a rougher time at the Bend Invitational on Friday and Saturday, April 11-12.

On day one, Sisters matched up against Jesuit and Summit. The girls played their hearts out, but were not able to win a match.

Sisters' No. 1 doubles team, Savannah Spear and Haley Carlson, got a win for the Outlaws on day two against Oregon Episcopal School. The duo defeated Colette Au and Natalie Berger 6-4, 6-4, in a very tough match. Collins said that Savannah and Haley outsmarted and outhit their opponents.

"Although it was pretty early and the girls were no doubt tired from being on the court the entire previous day, they were in typical high morale," said Collins.

The Outlaws faced Mt. View in their last match of the tourney. The Spear sisters both won in singles play.

Savannah (No. 1 singles) defeated Brandy Graham 6-3, 6-3. Spear played smart and proved herself as a solid singles player as well as a proficient doubles player.

Allie (No. 2 singles) beat Missy Burke 7-6, (7-5 tiebreaker), 6-2.

"Allie put her game face on to beat her opponent," said Collins. "Allie is learning and improving visibly each match."

Of the tournament, Collins said, "I am so proud of these girls. They continue to improve in each match, and no matter the outcome they stay positive and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow as individuals and as a team."

The Outlaws will attend the Madras Invitational on Saturday, April 19.