Knights win overall against Wahluke on the court
CALEB PEREZ | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 6 months AGO
MATTAWA — The Royal City Knights were able to come out on top in what was looking to be a stormy pairing against the Wahluke Warriors on Friday afternoon. Royal was able to win both matches with the girls winning 4-1 and the boys winning 3-1.
The matches started a little earlier than expected as there were already high winds, and it was looking like the weather was going to take a turn for the worse. When they first got out there, both teams had their doubts that they would even be able to play according to both Knights coach Rodrigo Fajardo and Wahluke coach Adrian Sandoval.
“We got going and everything went well,” said Sandoval.
For doubles, the Knights were able to stay aggressive at the net and were able to play strategically. The same went for the singles where both teams were able to keep up long rallies as they tried to figure out ways of finishing the point, said Fajardo.
“I think everyone grew in some capacity,” said Fajardo.
Wahluke still has a young team to build up with only one senior on their team who won her match. The match they were able to win on the boy’s side was through sophomore Ramiro Ochoa, said Sandoval.
Wahluke has also started having junior high players join the team so they can get even more experience once they get into high school. With this program in place, Sandoval is very hopeful for the future of his team.
“We’re a young team, but we’re learning every day,” said Sandoval.
The Knights look to continue the successes that they had in their games against Wahluke.
“Just really excited for the season,” said Fajardo. “These kids have been working really hard and I’m excited to see what they can do.”
The Knights will be playing at home against Connell on Monday at 3 p.m. and Wahluke’s next home game will also be against Connell Wednesday at 3 p.m.
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