Lady Outlaws post wins in tennis

The Lady Outlaws posted two wins this past week; a 5-3 victory over the Lady Buffs at Madras on Tuesday, April 20, and a 5-3 win at North Marion three days later.

Sisters won three singles and two doubles matches on Tuesday against Madras.

Juhree Kizziar did a tremendous job at No.1 singles. She dominated play on the court and blanked her opponent 6-0, 6-0. Kizziar played a very consistent game, and identified and attacked her opponent’s weaknesses.

Katie Ryan, at No. 3 singles, covered the court well and hit deep shots that proved to be very effective in her 6-4, 6-4 win.

Elena Mansfield earned the win at No. 4 singles. She started a bit slow and lost the first set 4-6, but came back quickly and got a 6-1 win in the second set. The second-set win initiated a 10-point tiebreaker, which she won 10-6.

“This was the first time Elena played in this position,” said Coach Allen VonStein. “She stepped up and showed her competitive edge at a very crucial time.”

Ellie Rush and Sophie Silva (No. 1 doubles) teamed up for their first time together as a pair and pulled out a 7-5, 6-2 victory.

“Both of their serves were right on and they appropriately caused poaching chaos at the net,” said Coach Alan VonStein.

Sisters got the win at No. 4 doubles via default as Madras only had 10 players to field their team.

On Thursday, the Lady Outlaws lost 3-5 at home to Philomath under very windy conditions that proved to be a challenge. Sisters earned a win at No. 2 singles, No. 3 doubles, and a win via forfeit at No. 4 singles.

Ellie Mayes defeated Sierra Johnson 6-3, 6-3 in No. 2 singles play. VonStein said she did a great job reading her opponent and taking advantage of her weaknesses. Mayes was more consistent getting her shots deeper into the court.

Jenna Kizziar and Leah O’Hern teamed up for the first time this year and posted a 7-6 (12-10 tiebreak), 6-4 victory over Elise Reese and Megan Reese.

“They did a great job adjusting to each other’s strengths and weaknesses and put the team win together,” said VonStein.

On Friday at North Marion, Juhree Kizziar once again dominated play, and outmatched her opponent on the court at No. 1 singles and posted a 6-0, 6-3 victory. VonStein noted that Juhree used a good strategy to move her opponent around the court so she could set up her next shots.

Mayes (No. 2 singles) continued her winning streak and beat her opponent 6-1, 6-1. VonStein stated that Ellie continues to improve, both with her shot selection and her match strategy.

Freshman Katie Ryan stepped up to win her match with a tiebreak at No. 3 singles. Katie won her first set, but dropped her second set 4-6 before going on to win the tiebreak 10-7.

“Katie continues to cover the court well with lightning-fast speed and quick reflexes,” said VonStein.

Rounding out the singles wins was Josie Patton, who stepped up to fill in at the fourth spot after a player injury. It was the first time Josie had played singles and she built up a quick lead and took the first set 6-2. She went on to cement the win with a 6-4 victory in the second set.

The final win of the day came from the No. 1 duo, Ellie Rush and Sophia Silva. The pair dominated the court and beat their opponents 6-2, 6-2.

VonStein said, “Ellie and Sophia continue to do a great job with their on-court communication, quickness, and poaching skills.”

The Lady Outlaws have a full week of tennis ahead. They were to play at Stayton on Tuesday, April 27, and then at home against Corbett on Thursday, April 29, and at home against Woodburn on Friday. The team will wrap up their regular season with a home match against Mountain View on Monday, May 3, and then prepare for the district tournament.