Boys tennis wins three matches

The Outlaws defeated Stayton 5-3 at Black Butte Ranch on Monday, April 14, and two days later notched a 4-1 win at home over Canyonville Christian Academy (CCA). On Friday, the Outlaws squeaked by with a win over Willamette.

In Monday's action, Paul Fullhart continued his winning ways at No. 1 singles. Fullhart easily defeated Tristen Swift 6-0, 6-0 to remain undefeated on the season.

"Paul has improved tremendously this year," said Coach Bim Gander. "His game is much more versatile. His play is more aggressive and consistent, and that combo is making him a favorite."

Trevor Standen (No. 2 singles) fought hard for his 6-4, 2-6, 11-9 tiebreak win over Jacob Keiner. Standen played a steady game and competed to the end.

Evan Rickards and Devon Calvin (No. 1 doubles) defeated Jorge Ramos and Robert Comacho 6-4 in the first set and then stepped it up and took the second set 6-0.

"I have high hopes for them to make the state tournament, but they will have to maintain intensity in the face of tough competition," stated Gander.

Ethan Stengle and Shawn Horton (No. 2 doubles) beat Logan McOmber and Kyle Anundi in two sets with scores of 6-1, 6-1. Gander noted that the duo improve every match they play.

Connor Schaab and Billy Biggers won their match at No. 4 doubles. The combo defeated Boston Stewart and Jordan Pyle 6-2, 6-0.

Gander said, "Both these guys have experience in other sports, and their athleticism shines through. Biggers' backhand is reminiscent of his baseball left-handed swing which is going to be the strength of his game in the future. And Schaab, at six-foot-two-inches, is an imposing and intimidating player at the net."

Two days later, the Outlaws played under cool and cloudy skies in their win over Canyonville. CCA was only able to bring six players, two of whom were girls.

Sisters won three of the four singles matches. Fullhart recorded an overwhelming 6-1, 6-0 victory over Wayne Poon in No. 1 singles, and Standen defeated Jeremee Munyokaze 6-2, 6-1. Evan Rickards played out of position at No. 3 singles and easily prevailed in his 6-1, 6-3 win over Grace Tuan.

"It was an easy match for Evan, so in the second set I had him practice his serve-and-volly tactics," said Gander.

Stengle and Horton, who usually play No. 2 doubles, moved up to the No. 1 spot. The combo defeated Brian Ng and Samantha Gizewski 6-1, 6-1. The duo played a good match against a relatively inexperienced team.

On Friday, the Outlaws played in a tight match against North Bend at Willamette. Each team won four matches, so the deciding factor was sets won and Sisters prevailed 9-8.

Paul Fullhart (No. 1 singles) was the lone winner for the Outlaws in singles play. Fullhart overcame swirling wind conditions and a determined opponent.

"Paul did a good job today," said Gander. "The wind for some reason seemed stronger on court one today than on the other courts, causing him some difficulty during the rallies. But Paul's consistently strong service was a big factor in his win this afternoon."

The difference in the match was Sisters' doubles teams. Devon Calvin and Evan Rickards (No. 1 doubles) were tested for the first time this year. They started a bit slow in their match but prevailed 6-3, 6-2.

"Good defensive passing shots at crucial moments earned the duo breaks of serve which proved to be the difference in this match," said Gander.

At No. 2 doubles, Ethan Stengle and Shawn Horton won their first set 6-3 and then faced an uphill battle. They were down a break of serve at 2-4 in the second set and, rather than face a tiebreaker, they were able to bear down late in the second set and win five of the next six games.

Sisters' combo of Tyrell Gilmore and Kobe Martinez (No. 4 doubles) won their match with scores of 6-3, 6-1. Gander noted that Gilmore's steady play allowed Martinez to find his groove in the second set, and then the pair ran away with the match.

Although Connor Schaab and Billy Biggers did not win in No. 3 doubles, Gander told The Nugget that they are the most improved doubles team on the roster.

Sisters was scheduled to play against North Bend at Willamette on Saturday, but the match was cancelled due to rain.

The Outlaws will play Henley at OIT in Klamath Falls on Saturday, April 26.