Lady Outlaws singles tennis players dominate

The Lady Outlaws started their week with a 5-3 win over the Lady Buffs at Madras on Tuesday, April 9, and two days later Sisters finished in a 4-4 tie at home against Crook County.

In Tuesday’s match against Madras the Lady Outlaws singles continued to dominate play, sweeping Madras in all four spots, with No. 1 singles player, senior Juhree Kizziar, leading the way. Kizziar’s pace and consistency were too much for Mia Mitchell to handle, and Kizziar easily won the match with scores of 6-0, 6-1.

Katie Ryan (No. 2) overpowered Yashira Chavero with her consistency and power and posted a 6-0, 6-1 win. Shae Wyland (No. 3) played a close first set against Arely Alonso and posted a narrow

7-5 win. Gusty winds made the second set difficult but Wyland handled the wind better and prevailed 6-3, for the victory.

Rylie Bick (No. 4) played strong and fast in her 6-0, 6-2 win over Nancy Quinta. Coach Bruce Fenn told The Nugget that Bick’s serve has improved and she’s gained more confidence with her backhand with every match.

Sisters No. 1 doubles team, Sophie Rush and Leah O’Hern, continued winning in a close third set 10-point tiebreakers. They started strong and posted a 6-4 win in the first set over Romero and Sedano. In the second set they were up 4-3 and then lost in a seven-point tiebreaker, 4-7. Because they split sets, they played a 10-point tiebreaker to finish the match. The dynamic Sisters duo won the tiebreaker 10-4.

Charlotte Seymour and Ava Riehle (No. 2 doubles) played together for the first time, and did well. In the final 10 point tiebreaker they were behind 0-3 and just could never catch up and lost 7-10.

On Thursday, the Outlaws competed in another hard-fought conference match at home against Crook County under windy conditions that made it difficult for both teams. Sisters once again swept the singles matches and Crook County won all the doubles.

Kizziar (No.1) made a fast start in the first set and blanked Sami Ramos 6-0. Ramos was more consistent in the second set and won 2-6. Kizziar stayed focused and crushed the 10-point tiebreaker 10-5.

“The key today was using the wind as a helper and not fighting against it,” said Fenn. “Windy conditions are equalizers in match play because it’s easy to be frustrated because what works in normal conditions does not work in terrible conditions. Winning a match like this will help Juhree when she faces similar conditions that do not favor superior shot making.”

Ryan (No. 2) played smart tennis and used the wind as a friend in her 6-0, 6-1 win over Callie Winebarger. She hit consistent ground strokes, moved the ball around, and, according to Fenn, kept Winebarger gasping for air.

“Katie goes to the net with confidence and hits volleys for winners,” said Fenn. “This skill is becoming a positive improvement for Katie.”

Wyland, at No. 3, also played smart and used the wind to her advantage in her 6-2, 6-1 victory over Kristianna Boyum.

“Shae has improved her left-handed serve that spins into right-handed backhands,” said Fenn.

Bick (No. 4) played very consistent and defeated Kim Cordero Cruz 6-3, 6-0.

She allowed the wind to twist and turn the ball, which caused Cordero to make errors.

Fenn said, “Sisters is fortunate to have four singles players who are determined to keep the ball in play and let the opponent make mistakes. Weather is challenging, but each experience prepares the team for when they’ll face this again. They will be ready.”

The No. 2 doubles pair, Seymore and Riehle, took their match to a tiebreak. They lost the first set, but came back to win the second set 6-3. Unfortunately, they fell 3-10 in the tiebreaker. Fenn told The Nugget that

the duo is contagious and if they can focus sooner and stay in the momentum they will win some matches.

On Friday and Saturday the Lady Outlaws played in a 22-team tournament, the Bend Oregon Invitational, at Caldera High School.

Rain caused several interruptions in Friday’s match. Both Kizziar and Ryan (No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively) blanked their opponents, and earned quick, easy wins.

Wyland only allowed her opponent to win two games. Wyland played very consistent and her looping, deep forehand to the backhand side caused her opponent to commit many errors.

In doubles play, O’Hern and Rush (No. 1 doubles) posted a win.

“They changed their strategy by hitting lobs over the heads of the net girl on the return of serve and then moved closer to the net for put-away volleys, which helped them win the set,” said Fenn.

Seymore and Riehle (No.2 doubles), the No. 3 duo of Stahn and Carter, and the No. 4 pair, Sullivan and Panozzo, also recorded wins.

Sisters wrapped up tournament play on Saturday. Because of the potential rain, eight-game pro sets were played so the match would end sooner.

The Lady Outlaws continued their dominance in singles play and Kizziar, Ryan, and Wyland didn’t let their opponents win a single game.

Fenn said, “The experience at this tournament was very challenging. The girls learned what it’s like to roll water off a tennis court in preparation for a tennis match so it will dry out. They learned that sometimes waiting around for rain to stop is more challenging than the match itself. These simple truths will help them in the future.”

“Our focus is to prepare our team for the District Championships in May,” added Fenn. “Each new team we play teaches the players how to win and get better.”

The Lady Outlaws will compete at a tournament in Roseburg on Friday, April 19.