Girls tennis has rough week

The Lady Outlaws tennis team lost both their matches this past week; a 3-5 loss to Stayton on Tuesday, April 26, and a 1-7 loss to Molalla the following day.

In Tuesday’s match against Stayton, the weather was chilly, temperatures hovering at 40 degrees. In addition to fighting weather conditions, the Outlaws had to play without their No. 2 and No. 4 single’s players.

Juhree Kizziar defeated her opponent 6-1, 6-2, with blazing approach shots to the net and great hustling backcourt defense at the No. 1 singles spot.

Leah O’Hern and Lanie Mansfield, at No. 2 doubles, earned a 6-0, 6-0 win. The duo blanked the Eagles with their great teamwork, enthusiasm, and good court positioning.

The final win came from the No. 3 duo, Charlotte Seymour and Lindsey Scott. The combo took the first set 6-3, and then played with determination and focus to pull off a close 7-5 second set. Coach Bruce Fenn told The Nugget they played with heart and resolve to win the match.

Junior Candence Dahl played her first ever varsity match at No. 4 singles. She played with hustle, speed and determination. After losing the first set 2-6, she came back and won the second set 6-3, but was out-experienced in the final set and lost 1-6.

Adrianna Luna and Sophie Rush (No. 4 doubles) also lost a close match. The duo won the first set 6-2, lost the second set 4-6, and fell 4-6 in the third. The third set was very close and came down to a few missed opportunities by the Outlaws combo.

Fenn said, “In adversity without two of the team’s top singles players we competed to the best of our abilities. We supported each other win or lose. It was another great learning experience for the whole team.”

In the match against Molalla on Wednesday the Outlaws played without their No. 2 and No. 3 singles players.

Kizziar, at No. 1 singles, defeated senior Rubie Burge 6-3, 6-1. Last year Kizziar lost to Burge, so the victory this year was special. Juhree’s superior shot making, slices, and forcing approach shots were impossible for Burge to handle.

Charlotte Seymour and Lindsey Scott (No. 3 doubles) lost a close one with a 10 point tiebreaker to decide the winner. Final scores were 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 (tiebreak).

Fenn said, “Every loss is an opportunity to learn and get better. It’s an opportunity for other new players to step up and meet the challenge.”

Sisters was scheduled to play at Woodburn on May 3.