Boys tennis packs in three matches in preparation for districts

The boys tennis team had a week packed full, with three matches to help them prepare for the district championships. Sisters edged Klamath Union (KU) 10-8 in sets won on Tuesday, May 5, and at home three days later defeated Mt. View 5-3. On Saturday, the Outlaws had a very rough day, and were blanked 0-8 at Ridgeview.

The home match against KU on Tuesday was very close, with both teams posting four wins, but the Outlaws prevailed with sets won.

The key individual match of the day was at No. 1 singles, where Colin Reinert defeated Hayden Lam 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in a very hard-fought match. Lam is the son of the KU coach, and boasts a tremendous forehand, and a very good serve. Hayden won the district doubles tournament last year and hopes to repeat this year. Lam chose to play against Reinert in No. 1 singles to tune up his doubles game.

"Colin won by playing superb defense, and was moving better on the court than I've seen him move all year," said Coach Bim Gander. "He was able to run down powerful shots from the Lam forehand. He did extremely well to win the match."

Jonny Gurney defeated David Marsden 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in a very close match. The key in Gurney's match was the tie-breaker. Jonny came back from a 4-0 deficit and won in a great comeback.

Connor Schaab, who usually plays singles, teamed up with Billy Biggers, his doubles partner from last year. The duo won big at No. 2 doubles against Gabe Johnson and Michael Ferns with a score of 7-5, 6-1.

Ben Johnson and Gabe Willitts rounded out the wins at No. 3 doubles, with an easy 6-2, 6-2 victory over Riley Sommers and Adam Rooney.

Gander said, "We have three doubles teams that are very comparable in ability. This means that Ethan (Stengel) and Shawn (Horton), who play No. 1, always have a tough row to hoe, but that makes it easier for our No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams."

Andrew Stengel and Gus Gyorgyfalvy had a very close match against Matt Osgood and Nic Maurer at No. 4 doubles. The combo put out a great effort and won the first set 6-2. They lost the second set 1-6, and then fell 8-10 in the super-tie-breaker.

"The fact that these guys won the first set was sufficient to give us the team win," said Gander.

Three days later, against Mr. View, the Outlaws swept the singles matches for the first time this season.

Reinert (No. 1 singles) dominated play in his 6-2, 6-1 win over Grant Miller.

"Colin's experience was clearly evident," stated Gander. "No matter what his opponent threw at him, he managed it, and dealt with it very effectively."

Michael Commins (No. 2 singles) easily defeated John Pfister 6-2, 6-1.

"Michael was super steady, and had absolute great footwork," said Gander. "Putting yourself in the right position to make the shot is critical, and Michael has really improved dramatically in that respect."

Gurney (No. 3 singles) posted the same score as his teammates at the No. 1 and No. 2 spot, with a 6-2, 6-1 win over his opponent, Tye Leahy.

"Jonny is a great athlete, and his movement on the court overcomes his lack of experience," commented Gander.

Pierce Wehrle rounded out the singles wins at the No. 4 spot, with his 6-1, 6-1 win over Connor Davenport.

"Pierce usually plays doubles, and this was his first time at singles," said Gander. "It was just extraordinary how well he converted. I thought it would be difficult for him, but it turned out to be a piece of cake."

Schaab and Biggers, who splits his time between tennis and track, played at No. 2 doubles for just the second time this season. The combo easily prevailed against Adi Wolfenden and Austin Pfeifer in a final score of 6-0, 6-1.

"Their experience from playing together last year continued," said Gander. "They continued without a beat and overwhelmed their opponents. These guys started last year at No. 4 doubles, and rose to the No. 2 spot, and they are better than ever. They picked up right where they left off last year."

Sisters wrapped up their week with a 0-8 loss at Ridgeview.