Girls tennis packs in three matches

The Lady Outlaws opened their season with a 1-8 loss at home against Ridgeview on Monday, March 14. Later in the week they had back-to-back matches; a 3-5 loss at home against Caldera on Wednesday, and a 6-2 road win at Crook County on Thursday.

Sophomore Juhree Kizziar (No. 1 singles) notched the only win in the Outlaws’ match against Ridgeview on Monday. Kizziar played an impressive match and easily defeated Kylee Rost 6-0, 6-1.

Coach Bruce Fenn said, “Juhree’s new improved topspin serve kicking up high was giving her opponent trouble. Her consistent ground strokes and court coverage was too much for Kylee Rost.”

On Wednesday, Brook Harper played No. 1 singles and dominated play in her 6-2, 6-0 win over Sierra Wall. It was the first time for Harper at No. 1 singles and Fenn told The Nugget he liked how she stayed calm and focused for both sets.

Jenna Kizziar and Josie Patton teamed up at No. 1 doubles and beat Grace Salbo and Shelby Hagann 6-1, 6-1.

Sophie Rush and Andriana Luna tallied a 6-1, 7-5 win over Kaden Atkinson and Emilee Baumnschschein at No. 4 doubles. The duo fought hard after they were down five games to four in the second set, and came back for the win.

The highlight in the Outlaws’ 6-2 victory over the Lady Cowgirls at Crook County were the three tie-breakers they posted to win the match.

The No. 2 doubles duo of Lanie Mansfield and Leah O’Hern came from one set down to win 6-3, and then 14-12 in the tiebreak. Lindsay Scott and Charlotte Seymour (No. 3 doubles) also went down in the first set but bounced back to win 7-6, 10-4 (tiebreak).

Maddie Pollard (No. 3 singles) won the first set in a 7-6 tiebreaker, and then won the second set 6-2 to secure the match.

“The girls’ competitive efforts got us our win tonight,” said Fenn. “The team is learning to make better choices and less unforced errors. I felt they really gelled and came together at this match. It was very fun to see!”

The Outlaws will take off a week for spring break and resume play on Wednesday, March 30, with a match at home against Mt. View. They will travel to Redmond on Thursday, the following day.