Pulver takes Outlaws to fifth place in tennis

Dominic Pulver was the lone player from the boys’ tennis squad to make it to the state championships held at Oregon State University Thursday through Saturday, May 23rd through the 25th. Seventeen teams were in attendance and, as the lone Outlaw player, Pulver took them to a tie with three other schools, Crook County, Nyssa, and Vale, for a fifth place finish.

Pulver had a bye in the first round on Thursday, and on Friday in round two defeated Sam McLaughlin of Marist 6-3, 6-4, in a very competitive match. Pulver kept McLaughlin off-balance and played his game.

“Pulver used his powerful ground strokes from the baseline with precision down-the- line shots,” said Coach Vince Grace. “He put pressure on McLaughlin with high deep shots with the intent to minimize short balls. We noted overhead smashes as a weakness from his opponent and targeted that weakness scoring many points by letting the opponent make the mistakes.”

Grace added, “What I liked from Dominic was his vision on the court. He had a good feel for where to hit it when the time was right. Dominic is a gamer. He knows how to win.”

In the quarterfinals Pulver lost 0-6, 1-6, to No. 2 seed Zareh Gonzalvo of Caitlin Gabel. Gonzalvo was a very tough opponent, and Grace told The Nugget that Pulver’s goal was to win one game and he was able to do that.

Grace said, “From the beginning of this match, I loved Dominic’s attitude. It is contagious. He was light in the moment of battle. He showed a love for the game and truly had fun. I know at the end of the day we don’t always remember the winners or losers, but everyone will remember that guy Dom, and how he made us feel watching him.”