Bulldog tennis players prepare for State
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ST. IGNATIUS — The boys’ tennis team capped the regular season with some breakout moments during the Boys Best of the West Tournament in St. Ignatius.
Felix Sonntag took first in the No. 2 singles division and went 2-2. Sonntag’s two loses were against No. 1 singles players.
“(Sonntag) was hitting well and keeping his head on straight with his emotions,” said head coach Kimimi Ashley. “Felix can put good points together when he is positive and puts in the work on the court.”
Michael Bauerle stepped in for injured player Chris Camel in No. 4 singles and came out with first place in his division. He had two wins and one loss.
“Michael is a JV player and this was his first year ever learning to play tennis. He did well and just enjoys the game,” Ashley said. “He works hard scrambling out on the court and likes to try and figure his opponent out.”
Ashley predicted that Camel should be ready to play in time for the State Tournament in Missoula Tuesday through Thursday. Camel was out for the past week and a half due to a bad ankle sprain.
The No. 1 doubles team of Harry Suta and Katz Yelsa took first place at the tournament with three wins and no losses.
“Harry and Katz play well together when they are both focused from the beginning of play and I look for them to take a placing at State Tournament,” Ashley added.
The No. 2 doubles team of RJ Blood and Zeeshaun Ali also took first place at the tournament with one win and two losses. They beat the No. 2 team in their division and loss to the No. 1 teams
“Each time they are on the court, RJ and Zeeshaun get a little better and so hopefully they will get a decent draw at State,” Ashley said.
Karl Daniels the No. 1 singles player struggled a bit and ended the day 1-3.
“He wasn’t playing terrible, but would make the error at the crucial moments,” Ashley said. “He has a decent draw for State Tournament play and should be able to place if he starts out strong and keeps his feet moving, errors down.”
On the girls side, Jane Makepeace was the only girl who qualified for State and will be playing at the University of Montana. The boys will be playing at the Playfair tennis courts Tuesday and Wednesday and then play at UM on Thursday.
SUMMARY
Best of the West
(Boys only tournament)
At St. Ignatius
No. 1 singles 1, Colter Mahlum, Bf, 4-0 2, Lane Norberg, VC, 3-1 3, Karl Daniels, SI, 1-3
No. 2 singles 1, Felix Sonntag, SI, 2-2 2, Christopher Manuel, VC, 2-2 3, Avery Folkman, Bf, 0-4
No. 3 singles 1, Levi Bullock, VC, 3-0 2, Gunnar Boese, Bf, 2-2 3. Troy Bontrager, ST 0-3
No. 4 singles 1, Michael Bauerle, SI, 2-1 2, Sam Larson, VC, 1-2
No. 1 doubles 1, Harry Suta/Katz Yelsa, SI, 3-0 2, Dylan Dybdal/Adam Richards, VC, 2-1 3, Logan Lamm/Dillon Fraley, Bf, 1-3
No. 2 doubles 1, R.J. Blood/Zeeshan Ali, SI, 1-2 2, Sam Larson/Brendan O’Mergher, VC, 1-2
Girls’ Western B divisional
(at Troy)
Singles Semifinals: Mckinze Shults, Bigfork, def. Holli Higgins, Troy, 6-2, 6-1; Kianna Wicklund, Bigfork, def. Jane Makepeace, St. Ignatius, 6-1, 6-2.
Fina:l Shults def. Wicklund, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Consolation final: Amber Metzger, Ronan, def. Makepeace, 6-3, 1-6, 6-1.
Doubles Semifinals: Kellie and Katie Lundin, Troy, def. Katelyn Matkovich/Taylor Courville, Ronan, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5; Alanis Stallknecht/Shelby Scoggins, Bigfork, def. Seri Smith/Darian Blixt-Leo, Ronan, 6-1, 6-3.
Final: Lundin/Lundin def. Stallknecht/Scoggins, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Consolation final: Matkovich/Courville def. Smith/Blixt-Leo, 6-4, 7-5.
