Outlaws start season with wins on the tennis court

The girls tennis squad kicked off their season with an 8-0 shutout at Mountain View on Thursday, March 16, and a day later posted a 6-2 win at home against Crook County.

In Thursday’s action junior Juhree Kizziar (No. 1 singles) was challenged by Mt. View’s senior Reeve Mikalson, who has improved her play since last year. Mikalson’s consistent attacking forehand won her many points, but Kizziar adjusted her game with underspin and lobs to win the match with scores of 6-4, 7-6, and a tiebreaker of 7-3.

Brooke Harper (No. 2 singles) defeated Morgan Ahern 6-1, 6-0. Harper’s poised and consistent ground strokes allowed her to cruise to the easy victory. Katy Ryan (No. 3 singles) returned to the team after a year off and showed her athletic foot speed and good hands to easily win the match against Tressa Maxwell with scores of 6-1, 6-0. Candence Dahl got the win at No. 4 singles due to default.

Josie Patton and Charlotte Seymour dominated at No. 1 doubles with a 6-0, 6-0 shutout over Ava Uht and Lindsey Spakowsky. This was the first time the Outlaw duo had played together and they quickly learned to work together by communicating with each other, which Coach Bruce Fenn stated was the reason they pulled off the win. They both covered the court well, and hit more winners than their opponents.

Lanie Mansfield and Leah O’Hern (No. 2 doubles) defeated Lilyan Knopp and Brynn Osborne 6-0, 6-0. The seasoned pair (as last year’s No. 3 doubles team) worked together and encouraged each other. Mansfield hit winners at the net and O’Hern was consistent from the back court.

Adrianna Luna and Rylie Bick (No. 3 doubles), a new combo this year, defeated Andrea Hernandez and Addison Ketner 6-0, 6-0. Fenn stated that they were more experienced than Mt. View’s two freshmen, which made the difference in the match.

Ava Stotts and Ava Riehle, also a new duo this season, earned a 6-0, 6-1 win over Harper Stone and Kaylea Stutz at No. 4 doubles. The pair moved fast around the court and hit more balls in than the Mt. View pair. Fenn told The Nugget that both girls are athletic, have fast feet, are competitive, and have a will to win.

Fenn said, “Overall it was a good start for the season. The girls learned things they did well and things they need to work on. We just need more practice outside, as the weather has kept us in the gym. I look forward to a great year of tennis, learning as we go.”

A day later the Lady Outlaws played a match against Crook County and won the match 6-2.

Kizziar (No.1 singles) was in good form and controlled her match with a nice combination of shots, which included solid ground strokes, slices, and lobs, earning her the 6-0, 6-1 win over Sami Ramos. Harper (No.2 singles) played steady throughout her match, frustrating Haven Hartley with deep high balls to the back of the court, and came out on top 6-0, 6-1.

Ryan (No. 3 singles) also played a great match and defeated Delaney Engtrom 6-0, 6-1. Presley Adelt (No. 4 singles) competed in her first varsity match of the season. She lost the first set 3-6, but had much better court movement in the second set, which ended in a 5-7 loss, just one point away from a tie-breaker.

Patton and Seymour (No. 1 doubles) lost their first set 2-6 to Ana Caballero and Cecile Cooper, but came back to win the set 7-5. They dominated the tiebreaker with hustle and better positioning on the court and walked away with a 10-3 victory.

Mansfield and O’Hern won their match 6-4, 6-1 over Abbi Pack and Atyah Hagensee at No. 2 doubles. Fenn said that they are learning where to be on the court for different shots, and their communication skills are helping them win matches.

Fenn told The Nugget that the surprise of the day was sophomore Riehle’s, and freshman Stotts’ easy 6-2, 6-2 win over McKenzie Hugle and Rikki Yustat. Fenn noted that the pair ran down hard shots and communicated well, and added that their athletic ability won the match for them.

“This was our second match and I felt there was improved team chemistry and a desire to all play smarter and better,” said Fenn. “This will be a fun year because everyone is pulling together for their teammates.”

The Outlaws were scheduled to play at Ridgeview on Tuesday, March 21. On March 23 they will play at Redmond.