Whitefish Pilot

Saturday's No. 1 girls doubles tennis match against conference foe Polson was both frustrating and enjoyable to watch for head Lady Bulldogs coach Josh Schaan.

In that battle, McCara Cullen and Anne Miller fell to Polson sisters Kendyall and Kayla Rochin, 2-6, 5-7.

"Well, on the one hand, it's the best tennis these girls have played this season," Schaan said after the match. "But it's tough because they lost. That was by far the best game they've played, though."

Miller executed several textbook unreturnable serves on the Polson sisters, and Cullen stretched out to make a few amazing returns herself. It wasn't enough, however, as the Lady Pirates capitalized on one or two key errors by Whitefish to take the match.

The Whitefish girls looked like they're hitting their stride just in time for next weekend's divisional tournament in Bigfork. They just need a few more balls to fall their way.

Kate Klundt ended up being the only Whitefish girl to get a win against Polson on Saturday morning at Grouse Mountain courts. She rallied back from an early deficit to take an epic 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jane Probst in the No. 1 singles spot.

The Lady Pirates claimed a 6-1 overall Northwest A conference win over the Lady Bulldogs.

The Bulldog boys, meanwhile, continue to steamroll their opponents in their quest to defend their state championship from a year ago.

Whitefish won all four singles matches and two out of three in doubles action for a 6-1 victory over Polson. Matt Harris bulldozed Matt Roberts, 6-0, 6-0, in the No. 1 singles spot, and the Whitefish boys continued to roll from there.

The closest match came in the No. 4 singles spot, where Tyler Schiff had his hands full with Andrew Storrow, but finally prevailed, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5).

In doubles action, Matt Whitehead and Zach Deister won, 6-2, 6-4, and Jake Morrison and Travis Adams claimed a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the No. 3 spot.

On Thursday, the Whitefish boys were on the road, winning the odd matches in singles and sweeping doubles play for a 5-2 dual win over Libby.

The Whitefish girls fell to the Lady Loggers 2-5. Becca Rozar and Chelsi Birgensmith took a 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) victory in the No. 2 doubles spot.

Last Wednesday, The Bulldog boys defeated Columbia Falls 5-2 on the road with three singles wins and two doubles victories.

Chase Pierce and Lucas Peace defeated Brian Marcille and Parker Johnson, 6-1, 6-4, in that battle.

The Northwest A tennis divisional tournament begins Friday, May 15 (tomorrow), in Bigfork and runs through Saturday.

Boys: Whitefish 6, Polson 1

SINGLES - Matt Harris, W, def. Matt Roberts, 6-0, 6-0; Tanner Hosek, W, def. Christian McCurdy, 6-1, 6-1; Joel Mallams, W, def. Tom Deanovic, 6-2, 6-2; Tyler Schiff, W, def. Andrew Storrow, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5).

DOUBLES - Matt Whitehead/Zach Deister, W, def. Tyler Engebretson/Stefan McCrumb, 6-2, 6-4; Shad Giles/Kyle Cooper, P, def. Chase Pierce/Lucas Peace, 6-1, 6-2; Jake Morrison/Travis Adams, W, def. Justin Evertz/Seth Hovenkotter, 6-4, 6-3.

Girls: Whitefish 1, Polson 6 SINGLES - Kate Klundt, W, def. Jane Probst, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4; Lexi Cline, P, def. Merideth Reed, 6-1, 6-3; Sara Keeble, P, def. Courtney Wilder, 6-0, 6-1; Erika Nunlist, P, def. Alexa Holliday, 6-1, 6-1.

DOUBLES - Kayla Rochin / Kendyall Rochin, P, def. McCara Cullen/Anne Miller, 6-2, 7-5; Heather Mathison/Kelsie Jones, P, def. Chelsi Birgensmith/Becca Rozar, 6-1, 6-3; Kelsie Howell/Jenni Reilley, P, def. Caroline Stokes/Bailey Chauner, 6-4, 6-4.