The tennis season is short and fast, so every moment on the court is a crucial opportunity for athletes to sharpen their skills and coaches to refine the lineup.  

“It’s all about court time, and we’re hoping to have long, competitive matches,” said Patrick Dryden, girls coach. “We’re trying out combinations in doubles. I’ve never had a singles lineup look as set as it does this year.”  

The weather is serving up some difficult conditions in April. Of the first eight duals scheduled, the Bulldogs have been able to play two. 

The first match was cancelled but matches against Bigfork April 10 were a go. A stretch of warm rain cancelled Dillon and Polson, then a few inches of snow Thursday cancelled home matches against Libby and Ronan. The skies cleared for the Dogs to take on Glacier at FVCC on Friday. The Bulldogs were sweating it out as they played a tough match against the Wildcats in 80-degree weather April 21.  

Jack Oehlerich won in straight sets over Glacier’s Colton Mantovani. Oehlerich and the Bulldogs swept the Wolfpack and did not drop a set. Glacier girls came out on top, 6-2 with Cadence and Cassidy Daniels taking a three-set victory over Camry Kelch and Lucy Marzo.  

Thursday’s upcoming match is already cancelled due to anticipated snow. 

Glacier girls 6, Whitefish 2 

SINGLES— Leiliani Lennarz, Glacier wins via default; Autumn Bashara, Glacier def. Ainsley Grubb 6-1. 6-1; Emy Hansen, Whitefish def. Avery Bender 6-2, 6-1; Clara Norick, Glacier def. Daisy Lusko 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.  

DOUBLES — Cadence Daniels and Cassidy Daniels, Glacier def. Camry Kelch and Lucy Marzo 6-3, 1-6, 6-3; Miley Fritz and Reid Sanders, Glacier def. Aubrey Talbot and Delila Vine 6-4, 6-2; Annebelle Barrile and Sammie Shors, Whitefish def. Quinn Berkram and Parker Speer 2-6; 7-6 (5), 6-1; Adilynn Lister and Rowyn Speer, Glacier def. Vivian Trieweiler-Schmidt and Sophia Cook 6-0, 4-6, 6-2.  

Whitefish boys 8, Glacier 0 

SINGLES — Jack Oehlerich, Whitefish def. Colton Mantovani 6-1, 6-4; Owen Erickson, Whitefish def. Weston Heller 6-3, 6-0; Finn Hobart, Whitefish def. Ty Rogers 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6); Ben Nelson, Whitefish def. Ty Sherrill 6-2, 6-2.  

DOUBLES — Aaron Anderson and Cole Moses, Whitefish win via injury default; Marcus Morcer and Charlie Oehlerich, Whitefish def. Conner Salmonsen and Axel Rauscher 6-3, 6-0; Jake Shors and Eli Erickson, Whitefish def. Brandtly Kelsey and Isaac Weaks 6-0, 6-1; Landon McGavin and Isaac Rudolph, Whitefish def. Cole Pelucca and Gavin Pyron 6-4, 6-2.