Outlaws compete in first boys tennis match of the season

The Outlaws boys tennis started their season with a home match against Mountain View on Thursday, March 16.

Jude Parzybok (No. 1 singles) played a great first match of the season even though he lost the match 4-6, 0-6 to Devin Merchant. Coach David Rowell noted that Parzybok played an excellent match and had great ground strokes, but that the double faults hurt him. The second set was much closer than the 0-6 score makes it appear. There were many long, great rallies, but Merchant’s forearm really came into play and produced winning shots.

Dominic Pulver (No. 2 singles) won his first match 6-2 against Harper Herzog. Pulver had great serves throughout the match, but lost the second set 4-6, then 5-10 in the tiebreak. Pulver became more comfortable after the first couple of games and Rowell noted that he had fun and looked confident on the court.

Zenas Ortega (No. 3 singles) has made big improvements in his game since last year. He matched up against a very good player, Taylor Ahern, and lost the match 3-6, 0-6.

Matthew Riehle and Dylan Rundle (No. 1 doubles) had a tough match against Noah Kronberg and Gabe Deiana and were shutout 0-6, 0-6.

“Matthew has a strong forearm and is great at the net,” said Rowell. “Dylan is a new player and getting much more comfortable with where to be on the court.”

No. 2 doubles duo Mason Dahl and Chris Roach had a great first showing and forced their match to a tiebreak with scores of 7-5, 5-7, 6-10.

Rowell said, “I’m excited to coach them the rest of the season and see how they continue to improve. They have a lot of potential.”

Timber and Tobann Bionda had a great first outing as well at No. 3 doubles, but lost 1-6, 2-6 to Hudson Giant and Maxwell Tomlinson.

“They could really improve their serve, but I’m happy to see them having fun and playing together for the first year,” said Rowell.

Rowell said, “It was a fun first match, and it was nice having some good weather. Overall, I’m really proud of our showing. I’m looking forward to the rest of our season, especially as we start league play. It will be tough playing these 5A schools at the start of the season.”

The Outlaws will host Redmond on Thursday, March 23.