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Divisionals was good learning experience for young Ronan tennis squad

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The young, developing Ronan tennis team finished off its season with some competitive performances at last week’s Northwestern A divisional tennis tournament in Kalispell. Although they played hard and learned a lot, the Ronan players did not finish in the top four placings, which would have qualified them for this week’s state tennis tournament in Billings.

“It was a great learning experience for the younger players,” Ronan head coach Gordon Cummings said. “(They) saw where they are at and know where they need to be.”

Polson seniors Colten Cheff and Jeff Blixt closed out their tennis careers playing doubles at divisionals. Although they worked hard, they bowed out of the tournament in two losses. They dropped a three-set match in the first round (6-2, 3-6, 7-5) to Polson’s Will Davey and Ian Laimbeer, then lost in two sets to a Whitefish team in the first consolation round.

“Colten and Jeff played well the first part of the season, then with activities (conflicts) only played together once the last three weeks,” Cummings noted. 

Austin Butler had a good tournament, finishing 2-2 at divisionals as a senior. Butler defeated Polson’s Christian McCurdy in three sets in the second round (6-2, 3-6, 6-4) before losing a quarterfinals match, then picking up one more win in the consolation bracket.

“Austin played well (and) improved from freshman year ‘til now. More than most, he worked hard and was determined to do well,” Cummings said. “We say goodbye to three seniors, (who were) all with us for four years.”

Ronan’s youth played hard, too. Sophomores Hunter Shima and Spencer Sucha went 1-2 at the divisional tournament. 

“Hunter and Spencer ... could of advanced further, but at times (their) play was inconsistent,” coach Cummings noted. “(They are) hard workers and will come back next season stronger than they are now.”

Ronan’s girls came up short at divisionals without any wins, but they too benefitted from the experience.

“The girls had a tough tournament — they all lost in two matches,” Cummings said. “Youth and inexperience was a major factor. The Northwest (division) has strong tradition and lots of experience.”

Amber Metzger battled in two tough singles matches before bowing out of the tournament.

“She’s a hard-worker and will be back stronger (next year),” Cummings said.

Ronan’s three girls’ doubles team also learned a lot, though they all had quick exits.

Katelyn Matkovich and Darian Blixt pushed their first-round match to three games, losing 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to their Libby opponents. Ronan’s other doubles teams of Seri Smith and Brianna Frank, and Taylir Courville and Sarah Anderson also battled to three-game losses in the first round of consolation matches.

“Seri Smith and Brianna Frank, Sarah Anderson and Taylir Courville, and Katelyn Matkovich and Darian Blixt played well, but not up to their potential,” Cummings concluded, adding “Divisional play can be intimidating for some.”

 

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