Girls tennis squad splits matches

The Lady Outlaws lost 3-5 in a hard-fought match at home against Cascade on Thursday, April 7, but a day later they rebounded with a 7-1 win at home against Henley.

In Thursday’s match the Outlaws’ top three singles players won. In the No. 1 spot, Juhree Kizziar had control from start to finish and blanked Kyra Arneson 6-0, 6-0. Kizziar’s defense, fast ground strokes, and top spin server were too difficult for her opponent to handle. Brooke Harper earned a 6-2, 6-0 win over Victoria Hall at No. 2 singles. Harper was very patient and waited for her opponent to make mistakes. Maddie Pollard’s (No. 3) foot speed and forehand winners gave her the 6-1, 6-0 victory over Less Le.

Coach Bruce Fenn told The Nugget that the doubles teams got beat up pretty badly, but learned strategies and better skills that will help them in the future.

On Friday, the Outlaws hosted the Henley Hornets.

Kizziar (No. 1 singles) continued her hot streak with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Sophia Gratsch, and remains undefeated so far this season. Harper (No. 2 singles), with her consistent defending baseline game, took down Grau Bernadine 6-1, 6-0.

The No. 2 doubles duo, Leah O’Hern and Lanie Mansfield, were strong at the net and defeated Mikell Lowery and J. Halsey 7-5, 4-3 Retired (opponents were not able to finish). Henley had to forfeit four matches and Sisters recorded the 7-1 win.

Fenn said, “We have improved greatly since our first match against non-league Ridgeview. We are not the same team. Our singles players all know how to hit the ball better, move on the court more effectively, and serve better. The doubles teams know where to stand and move as a team during each point, and communicate better as to what is working and not working.”

The Lady Outlaws are currently 1-1 in league and 4-4 overall. Sisters was scheduled to play at Molalla on Tuesday, April 12. They will play at home against Madras on Thursday, April 14.