Coeur d'Alene 8, Sandpoint 4

SANDPOINT — Pairs Ethan Ballard and Brennan Johnson and Fisher Dail and Caden Martz swept in boys doubles as the host Bulldogs fell to the Vikings on Wednesday in a match held at both the James E. Russell Sports Center and at the courts at Travers Park.

"Ethan and Brennan found themselves in a ferocious battle, with quick reflex volleys at the net combined with powerful shots from the baseline — their big hits resonated throughout the JER building," Sandpoint High head coach Kent Anderson said. "Fisher and Caden were in an equally intense battle. They played through incredibly stressful moments, employing their characteristic calm demeanor and solid athleticism to pull away from a very strong opponent."

Aubrey Knowles and Amelia Poulson found their stride in the second set and cruised to an impressive win in the No. 1 girls doubles spot.

"They both attacked the net confidently and were extremely consistent from the baseline," coach Anderson said.

Pepper Rickert picked up the fourth win by default for the Bulldogs in No. 1 girls singles.

Anderson said despite the loss, it was great tune-up for the 5A Inland Empire League District 1-2 Championship, which Sandpoint (10-1-2) will host Friday and Saturday at both the James E. Russell Sports and the courts at Travers Park.

SINGLES

BOYS — No. 1 Connor Judson, Coeur d’Alene, d. Jacob Dawson, 6-0, 6-0. No. 2 Samuel Mandel, Coeur d’Alene, d. Nathan Duke, 5-7, 6-0, 10-6. No. 3 Brody Rader, Coeur d’Alene, d. Joey Allen, 6-2, 7-5. GIRLS — No. 1 Pepper Rickert, Sandpoint, d. Caitlin Combes, by default. No. 2 Maddie Hunt, Coeur d’Alene, d. Bella Bailey, 7-6, 6-3. No. 3, Mya Jones, Coeur d’Alene, d. Morgan Dail, 6-3, 6-0. 

DOUBLES

BOYS — No. 1 Ethan Ballard/Brennan Johnson, Sandpoint, d. Max James/Lucas Reeves, 6-3, 7-6. No. 2 Fisher Dail/Caden Martz, Sandpoint, d. Cooper Irwin/Payson Irwin, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. GIRLS — No. 1 Aubrey Knowles/Amelia Poulson, Sandpoint, d. Natalie Knutson/Gabby Knutson, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. No. 2 Ava Jaeger/Libby Morrisroe, Coeur d’Alene, d. Lily Evans/Hannah Fisher, 6-3, 6-1. 

MIXED DOUBLES 

No. 1 Grant Johnson/Krysten Moore, Coeur d’Alene, d. Avery Thornton/Lane Harris, 6-2, 6-1. No. 2 Katie Shell/Nathan Pulsipher, Coeur d’Alene, d. Colby Dyk/Morgan Harris, 7-5, 6-4.