Lady Bulldog Dillard picks up win in Darby
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DARBY — The Lady Bulldogs only came up with a single win against Darby Thursday, but their coach saw glimpses of great play.
Jenny Dillard, Mission’s number four singles player, was the only Lady Bulldog to defeat a Lady Tiger in the 5-1 loss. Dillard trailed Lady Tiger Cassidy Heartness 1-5 in the first set, but stormed back for a 7-5 win and then put Heartness away with a 6-0 victory in the second set.
“Jenny (Dillard) was a little tense in the beginning of the match and making too many unforced errors, but with a little pep talk from assistant coach Ison she got herself pumped up and made a big turnaround in the match, coming back to win the first set and roll on the second,” Mission coach Kimimi Ashley said. “We have been having lots of mental toughness talks with the players and it was nice to see that Jenny showed a perfect example of this in her match.”
Mission’s number one singles player Sarah Bowers defeated Natalie Crosch 6-4 in the opening set, but dropped the next two sets 6-3 for a hard-fought 2-1 loss.
“Every point was long, and we’re not talking long because they were moon balling and playing safe. It was long because both girls were hitting side to side and coming up to the net and both were playing great offense and great defense,” Ashley said. “They were so exhausted by the third set but neither was ready to back down.”
With the third set 3-3, Ashley said that Schutova caught her second wind and scored three straight points to end the match.
“We are very proud of Sarah and so tickled that she is only a sophomore. A little bit more technique on her volleys and Sarah would have come out on top in this tough match,” Ashley said.
In her first match of the season, Jane Makepeace, Mission’s number two singles player, dropped straight sets 6-3 to Natalie Crosch.
After matches Monday and Tuesday, Mission hosts Cutbank Friday starting at 2 p.m. They will travel to Bigfork Saturday for a flight tournament.
Summary
Darby 5, Mission 1
Singles - Bara Schutova, D, def; Sarah Bowers 4-6, 6-3, 6-3; Natalie Crosch, D, def; Jane Makepeace 6-3, 6-3; Tish Smith, D, def; Becky Hiatt, 6-, 6-0, Jenny Dillard, M, def; Cassidy Heartness 7-5, 6-0.
Doubles - Miriam Bender/ Haley Sinks, D, def; Rachel Jensen/Morgan Andres 6-0, 6-1;
