Girls tennis continues to improve

The girls tennis team played a strong match against the Eagles at Stayton on Monday, April 14, and five days later they honed their skills at the Madras Invitational.

In Monday's match against Stayton, Anna Peasley and Allie Spear both won their matches in singles play.

Peasley came out on top with a solid 6-1, 6-4 win over Kelsie Hendricks.

Coach Courtney Collins said, "Anna won by being the human version of the backboard: Anna 'The Wall' Peasley!"

Spear beat Miranda Richey 4-6, 7-5, 10-5. Allie has been undefeated in clutch three set matches and has proved she's a tough competitor.

Sisters' top two doubles teams also earned wins for the Outlaws.

Haley Carlson and Savannah Spear (No. 1 doubles) prevailed 6-2, 6-2 in their match against Madi Shyrock and Brook Jordan. The combo's movement and communication on the court was key in the victory.

At No. 2 doubles, Brenna Weems and Dani Rudinsky pulled off some crazy shots and held strong for a 6-3, 6-2 win over Kenzie Pyle and Danielle Schmitz.

Collins stated, "We came out in full force against Stayton, and the girls are growing tighter as a team each match. Our singles girls kept consistent and stayed on their toes, and the doubles girls played smart and aggressively."

On Saturday, the Outlaws competed in the Madras Invitational, which provided hours of learning and playing experience. The wind roared all day long and made playing conditions extremely unpredictable. The Outlaws played strong, and Collins told The Nugget there seems to be no limit to their improvement so far. Seven teams came to compete, and the Outlaws finished third.

Sisters' No. 1 duo of Carlson and Savannah Spear, No. 2 doubles team Brenna Weems and Dani Rudinsky, and No. 2 singles player Allie Spear all placed in the top three out of 28 girls.

Collins said, "In doubles, Sisters' No. 1 and No. 2 teams are definitely overpowering many of those in their league. They are dominating at the net, and in the case of this tournament the proof is in the pudding. In the singles realm Allie Spear is quickly becoming a force. She is developing into a solid baseline player with a wicked net game and a cannon for a serve."

The Lady Outlaws will play against Junction City on Friday, April 25.