The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Lady Outlaws defeated The Dalles 6-2 at home on Tuesday, April 2, on a sunny, but very windy day. Despite the fact the Outlaws were without their No. 1 singles player, Juhree Kizziar, the singles players were dominant and won three of the four matches.

Katie Ryan stepped in as the Outlaws No. 1 singles player and did a fabulous job. She defeated Josephine Hamm in two straight sets with scores of 6-0, 6-1.

“Katie hit deep strong forehand ground strokes and forced Hamm into errors,” said Coach Bruce Fenn. “Katie’s net play has improved and is helping her finish points faster. Her first serve has more power this year and it put Hamm on the defense right away. Katie is a smart, consistent player.”

Shae Wyland also moved up and played at the No. 2 spot and recorded a 6-0, 6-1, win over Alexia Diaz. Fenn noted that Wyland played her athletic, consistent game and there was no doubt she was the better player.

“Stepping into No. 2 singles with only one year of tennis behind her (Wyland) is scary, but she was a trooper,” said Fenn.

Rylie Bick (No. 3 singles) tallied a 6-2, 6-1, win over Aimee Rodriquez-Sanchez.

“Rylie is in the same mindset as the rest of the singles players with some experience,” said Fenn. “She understands consistency wins matches. Rylie has a consistent forehand and she can get to most shots. She waits for her opponent to miss.”

The Outlaws also won three of their doubles matches.

Leah O’Hern and Sophie Rush (No. 1) defeated Jessica Huizar-Perez and Ari Chavez-Rodriquez. The duo dropped the first set 2-6 in the strong wind, but came back and took the second set 6-2. They got tough in the tiebreak and won 10-7 on a big serve by Rush.

“Leah and Sophie have a new nick name, ‘The Tiebreak Queens,’” said Fenn. “Out of seven matches played they have won four matches with tiebreakers. That’s considered an overtime scenario. Leah is the steady one and Rush is the power hitter. Both girls can put the ball away at the net and handle pace as well.”

Ava Riehle and Molly Greaney (No. 3) were down in both the first and second sets but came back and defeated Valerie Villa and Victoria Gonzalez 6-4, 6-4, in a close match.

“Ava and Molly stayed positive and helped each other,” said Fenn.

Jessica Stahn and Caitlin Carter (No. 4) rounded out the wins for Sisters with a 7-5, 6-2, victory over Amber Foley and Ava Anderson.

“Jessica and Caitlin were active, and athletic as they hustled to get the win,” said Fenn. “They won today because they were more consistent, and stronger and faster than The Dalles team.”

Fenn said, “I feel confident that with more consistent practice and the whole team together that we can make another push to win the District Championship again with Kizziar leading the way.”

The Lady Outlaws have a busy week ahead. They are scheduled to play at Madras on Tuesday, April 9, and then will play at home on Thursday against Crook County. They will wrap up their week at the Bend Oregon Invitational held at Caldera High School on Friday and Saturday where 22 teams from around the state will be in attendance.