Girls tennis undefeated in conference play

The girls tennis team notched a 5-3 win over the White Buffs at home on Wednesday, April 24, in very cold and windy conditions. The win moved them to 4-0 in conference play. They are 12-5 overall with their only losses to much larger schools; a loss to powerhouse Jesuit, two losses to Summit, and a loss to Redmond and Ridgeview.

Coach Bruce Fenn told The Nugget that Sisters No. 1 duo, Leah O’Hern and Sophie Rush, were the standouts for the day. The pair played a solid, consistent match and returned the ball with placement and power in the 6-3, 6-3, victory over Myah Pope and Hayley Burts.

“Leah and Sophie moved very well, and got in good positions to make winning shots,” said Fenn. “They are complimenting each other, and encouraging each other when frustration occurs. They played smart doubles today.”

Freshman Caitlin Carter and Kalie Sullivan (No.3 doubles) fought hard against Cypress Toman and Nancy Quinta and only lost by two, 5-7, and then fell 3-6 in the second.

Fenn said, “Their strategy worked well in the first set as Caitlin hit volley winners at the net, and Kalie kept the ball in play from the baseline. The second set was more difficult, but they stayed positive. As new players, they are getting better every match, and it’s fun to see their development.”

Fenn told The Nugget that his singles players had no competition, and easily won their matches. Juhree Kizziar (No. 1) swept Mia Mitchell 6-0, 6-0; Katie Ryan (No. 2) beat Idaly Romero 6-1, 6-1; Shae Wyland (No. 3) blanked Olyvyah Pacheco 6-0, 6-0; and Rylie Bick (No. 4) defeated Alycia Avila 6-1, 6-0.

The Lady Outlaws were to play at home against The Dalles on Tuesday, April 30. The first round of district will be Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, and the second round will be held at Madras, Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18.