Othello doubles team sixth at state
BOB KIRKPATRICK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 6 months AGO
Yanitta (left) and Jocelyn Cantu finished sixth at the WIAA 2A State Championship Tournament at the Nordstrom Tennis Center in Seattle.
SEATTLE - The Huskies girls doubles team of Yanitta and Jocelyn Cantu had a fine outing finishing sixth at the WIAA 2A State Tournament at the Nordstrom Tennis Center in Seattle May 25 and 26.
The two got off on the right foot on day one of the competition as they turned back Beat Stacy Hanson and Charolette Kilborn from Kingston in two sets 6-4, 6-3.
"The girls and coaches alike were very nervous," coach Robert Pruneda said. "They came out strong at the net and were able to poach effectively. Jocelyn's serve was powerful and accurate. Yanitta's net play was amazing as she hit difficult angle shots the opposing team could not return."
The win advanced the two to a quarterfinal match up with Kaiti Dell and Megan Schrenk from Selah, whom they defeated 6-3, 6-2 to move on.
"This match was a mirror image of game one," Pruneda said. "The girls had lost to Selah three times this season, so I was excited for this match. Selah lobes the ball well and we have had trouble lobbing their lobs or hitting hard shots from a lob. But the girls came out on fire, pacing deep shots and controlling the net game. Selah tried to counter with lobs but the girls were ready for that and smashed the ball back."
The win advanced the two in the semi-finals and guaranteed them a state placing. Unfortunately, they lost to Becca Wilson and Claire Krause from Squalicum 6-1, 6-2 to drop into the consolation bracket Saturday.
"The girls were not as sharp as they were Friday," Pruneda said. "They played okay at the net and served well, but their return game was off and they lost a lot of points there. The other team was consistent and did not make as many unforced errors as we did."
Yanitta and Jocelyn lost out on their bid for third place to Reile Slattery and Aleassa Wren from W.F. West as they dropped the match 6-2, 6-4 to finish sixth.
"We missed on our lobs and the other team had easy net shots," Pruneda said. "But, overall, the girls played at a high level and represented Othello well. It was an experience they will never forget. We have good talent next year and are planning to be back at state."
ARTICLES BY BOB KIRKPATRICK
Cd'A city administrator takes buyout
Park director also opts for incentive program to leave post
City Administrator Troy Tymesen and Parks and Recreation Director Bill Greenwood were among the 24 applicants the Coeur d’Alene City Council unanimously approved for the city's voluntary separation incentive program, granting them early retirement.
Key Cd'A personnel eye buyout
24 apply for separation package aimed at reducing personnel costs
Earlier this year, the Coeur d’Alene City Council directed staff to analyze the fiscal impacts of offering an incentive program that would allow employees to apply for a one-time incentive payment in exchange for a voluntary separation within the next 12 months and separating from the city’s insurance coverage.
Coeur Terre Phase 1 gets OK
Many voice objections to 438-acre development
There was nary an empty seat at the Coeur d’Alene Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday evening, as concerned citizens gathered in anticipation of the committee’s ruling on the Coeur Terre project.