Sunday, December 14, 2025
37.0°F

Kats drop Libby, do well at Kalispell tourney

Chris Peterson Hungry Horse News | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 7 months AGO
by Chris Peterson Hungry Horse News
| April 24, 2013 7:44 AM

It was a busy week of tennis for Columbia Falls as the teams played a slew of matches in weather that was often less than friendly.

The Wildkats dropped Libby 6-1 on April 16 at home. The Kats were led in singles play by freshman Emily Getts, who beat Harley Malmstrom 7-6 (7-5), 6-0.

On the boys side, Libby won 4-2. But the Cats got a win from its top doubles team as Andrew West and Mason Gedlaman dropped Ian Myslicki and Lane Luscher 7-5, 7-6 (7-2).

On April 18, the girls had a rough time against Flathead and Glacier high schools as they failed to win a match against either school.

The boys were also blanked by Glacier but had a better showing against Flathead, losing 5-3. Flathead won all of its singles matches, but the Cats won three in doubles.

West and Gedlaman beat Connor Roettig and Tristan Dills, 6-1, 6-1; Gavin Thelan and Josh Potter beat Joey Swisher and Daniel Olszewski, 6-0, 6-3 and Zayne Brunz and Logan Carr beat Kody Butts and Eric West 6-2, 6-2.

The teams traveled back to Kalispell on April 20 in a tournament that was shortened by rain.

Caleb Baumann made it to the singles No. 2 semifinals, losing to Glacier’s Jordan Bridwell in a tight match, 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 (10).

Gedlaman and West competed in the No. 2 doubles semifinals against Hellgate High School’s Sampo Hall and Max Williams, but lost 6-3, 6-4.

“It was good to see that much tennis and play against a variety of opponents,” boys coach Gary Yee said.

Yee said he’s impressed with the improvement of Baumann, who only won a handful of matches at No. 2 singles last year.

“This season is day and night,” Yee said.

On the girls side, Gabby Keller and Kiersten Wendt made it to the No. 3 doubles final but lost to Flathead’s Katie Goodnough and Kenzie Williams, 6-3, 6-3.

“Pretty awesome for Kiersten and Gabby to make the No. 3 championship match,” coach Jerry Smalley said. “I think our girls took a giant stride forward today in their tennis maturity. It always helps to play new opponents.”

This week, the teams travel to the Bitterroot on Saturday for a tournament while the junior varsity goes to Flathead on Thursday.

Boys — Libby 4, Columbia Falls 2

Singles: Jason Schnackenberg, L, def. Caleb Baumann, 6-1, 6-1; Patrick Valentine, L, def. Casey Burgduff, 7-5, 6-3; Chris Whitcamp, CF, def. Brendan Kack, 6-1, 6-3; Trystan Butcher, CF, def. Jason Brandt, 6-4, 6-2.

Doubles: Andrew West/Mason Gedlaman, CF, def. Ian Myslicki/Lane Luscher 7-5, 7-6 (7-2); Jake Reny/Austin Megle, L, def. Josh Potter/Gavin Thelen, 6-4, 6-4; Adam Kirschenmen/Elijah Miller, L, def. Zane Brunz/Logan Carr, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Girls — Columbia Falls 6, Libby 1

Singles: Emily Getts, CF, def. Harley Malmstrom, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0; Emma Covill, CF, def. Erin Rogers, 6-0, 6-0; Hailey Sapa, CF, def. Sarah McBride, 6-0, 4-6, 6-2; McKenna Emmerich, CF, def. Mckenzie Cosgriff, 6-0, 6-0.

Doubles: Kaylene Hudson/Kaya Hardgrove, L, def. Gabby Keller/Micinze Christopherson, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3; Kiersten Wendt/Sonesta Billow, CF, def. Kira Rose/Melaine Thomas, 6-4, 6-0; Baylee Brinton/Olivia Lewis-Peterson, CF, def. Katie Alspaw/Cheyanne Carlson, 6-1, 6-1.

ARTICLES BY CHRIS PETERSON HUNGRY HORSE NEWS

April 29, 2011 2:39 p.m.

Experts forecast flooding by area rivers and streams

With continued cold weather, the potential for flooding by area rivers and streams has increased, the National Weather Service warned last week.

April 22, 2011 9:15 a.m.

Search suspended for missing skiers

The search in Grand Teton National Park for two men with ties in the Flathead has been suspended because of inclement weather. The men are believed to be lost in an avalanche.