Lady Outlaws go 2-1 in tennis competition

The Lady Outlaws earned a 5-3 win at Stayton on Tuesday, April 27, and at home on Thursday defeated Corbett 3-1 to improve their record to 5-3. On Friday Sisters played host to Woodburn and lost the match 2-6.

At Stayton on Tuesday, freshman Juhree Kizziar (No. 1 singles) defeated Rachel Ptacek 6-2, 6-2. Coach Alan VonStein stated that Juhree anticipated her opponent’s ball placement and did a better job of moving her feet.

“She continues to improve despite her young age,” said VonStein. “She is gaining a lot of experience.”

Ellie Mayes beat Megan Campbell 6-4, 7-5, in a hard-fought No. 2 singles match. Mayes was down 1-5 in the second set, but came back strong and won six games in a row. The win was Maye’s fourth straight win.

Katie Ryan (No. 3 singles) easily handled Sierra Baker in the 6-2, 6-2 victory.

“Katie’s natural athleticism and ability to get to difficult shots continues to amaze me,” said VonStein.

Brooke Harper returned to the squad after being off a week due to a hand injury, and defeated Karlee Tyler at No. 4 singles. Brooke won the first set 6-4, but dropped the second 3-6. She went on to win in an 11-9 tiebreak.

“Her hand is doing much better and hopefully she will be able to continue her marked improvement going forward into districts,” said VonStein.

Ellie Rush and Sophie Silva (No. 1 doubles) were the lone doubles win for the Outlaws. The tandem defeated Charlotte Ritchie and Kassidy Strand 6-3, 7-6. In the second set they had to go to a tiebreak, which they won 7-5.

“They both are able to cover the court extremely well and read each other’s movements before they even occur,” said VonStein. “Their years of playing volleyball together make them a very strong doubles team.”

VonStein told The Nugget that Elena Mansfield, Josie Patton, Leah O’Hern, Charlotte Seymour, Lindsay Scott, and Adriana Luna all put in excellent efforts in their doubles matches.

On Thursday only the No. 1 and No. 2 singles and doubles teams played, due to the fact that Corbett has such a small team.

Juhree Kizziar (No. 1 singles) defeated Morgan Stafford 6-2, 6-4. Rush and Silva (No.2 doubles) easily beat Grace Merrill and Tia Kendall 6-1, 6-0, and Katie Ryan and Brooke Harper (No., 2 doubles) won their match against Semani Ramirez-Gonzalez and Sarah Stratman 6-2, 6-0.

Ryan and Harper, who usually play at singles positions, decided to give doubles a try, and teamed up as a pair for the first time this season. They did a great job as a duo and easily took care of business with a big win.

On Friday at home against Woodburn, Juhree Kizziar defeated Yesenia Lopez 6-1, 7-5, and improved her record to 6-3 on the season at the No. 1 singles spot.

“Juhree continues to improve on a match-by-match basis with her deep baseline shots, quickness and ability to come to the net,” said VonStein. “She definitely is a force to be reckoned with going forward as we head into districts in 10 days.”

Rush and Silva, Sisters’ No. 1 duo, continued their winning streak with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Karina Zamora and Christa Manetti.

“They continue to be an extremely talented and strong doubles team in our district,” said VonStein. “Their net play is unmatched. They have decided to finish up their season with a final match against Mt. View on Monday, and will not compete in districts or state for personal reasons.”

Sisters was to play in their final home meet against Mt. View on Monday, May 3. From there the team will prepare for their run at districts the following week.