Girls tennis sweep doubles matches

The Lady Outlaws tennis team swept the doubles matches in their 5-3 win at home against Stayton on Thursday, April 20.

Rylee Weber and Hawley Harrer (No. 1 doubles) dominated play in their 6-1, 6-1 victory over Claire Jones and Piper Freres. The duo hit the ball hard and overpowered their opponents with great serves. As usual, Harrer was exceptional at the net.

Nika Chick and Engracia Diez, at the No. 2 spot, beat Hannah Mitzel and Lisel Rutherford 6-4, 6-2. Chick played strong at the net and Engracia took care of business at the baseline.

Alexa Asson and Rheanna Salisbury defeated Elina Beresford and Desi Pichar 6-2, 6-1, with steady, consistent play. The duo outplayed their opponents and forced them to make a lot of errors.

Hogan Hernandez and Devry Grace also tallied a win to compete the sweep. The No. 4 doubles team beat Isabel Nieto and Val Navarro 6-3, 6-2. Hogan was tough at the net and Devry was steady in the backcourt. The duo forced many errors with their smart play.

Trinity Smith was the lone singles winner (No. 4). Smith beat Franziska Kluende 6-3, 6-3, with her baseline shots and tough serve.

Miki McFadden has stepped into the coaching position while Susan Fullhart is out on a leave of absence and had nothing but praise for the young Outlaws squad.

"It's been such a joy to work with these girls," said McFadden. "They're kind, respectful, and love to play the game. They all are improving every match despite the minimal time we've had on the court due to the weather."

A day later, the Lady Outlaws endured a four-hour bus ride and heavy Portland traffic before they finally arrived at the Cascade Athletic Club in Gresham and made up a match with Corbett. Despite the very cold and gusty weather Sisters came out on top with a 6-2 victory. Five key players were unable to make the trip due to last-minute rescheduling, which allowed some of the younger players to get some varsity court experience.

Sofia Frack (No. 1 singles) and Devry Grace (No. 2 singles) both earned wins. Frack beat Sarah Gradwohl 6-1, 1-6, 6-4, and Grace defeated Lilah Krohn, a new player to the sport, 6-0, 6-0.

"The conditions were very windy," said McFadden. "Games were better on one side than the other so most games went back and forth. Sofia was able to battle it out and get the win in the third set with lots of deep shots. Devry usually plays doubles, but with five girls missing, she got a chance to play singles."

Sisters swept the doubles matches.

Nika Chick and Engracia Diez (No. 1 doubles) defeated Anna Bidondo and Emory Bunnell 6-2-6-2. Chick was aggressive with her serve and Diez contributed steady play.

Alexa Asson and Trinity Smith (No. 2 doubles) beat Eve Echternach and Audra Daugherty 6-2, 7-6. In the second set, the duo got a bit complacent, while the Corbett girls stepped up their play and challenged the Outlaws. Alexa and Trinity hung in there and went on to win the tiebreaker.

At the No. 3 spot, freshmen Ramsey Schar and Hannah Ezell, in their first varsity appearance, defeated Emily Rhuman and Belle Regalado 6-1, 6-0. Ezell, at approximately 5' 10", had some nice kills at the net, and Schar contributed good, strong serves.

The No. 4 doubles team of Ashley Adams and Holley Werts won by forfeit.

"With so many girls missing today, it was a great chance for the younger girls to get to play, and the win was a bonus," said McFadden.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, April 18, the No. 4 doubles team of Hogan Hernandez and Devry Grace earned Sisters' only win in their match at home against Cascade. The match lasted over two hours and was a close contest. The duo lost to Skylar Perlick and Kali Sana 4-6 in the first set, but came back to win the next two at 7-5, 7-5.

McFadden said, "Hogan really played the net well, and Devry had consistent drives from the back court."

The Lady Outlaws were to play at home against Crook County on Tuesday, April 25. On Thursday, April 27, Sisters will travel to Philomath.