Sandpoint 8, Post Falls 4

SANDPOINT — Pepper Rickert went a flawless 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 1 girls singles position, McCoy Jensen and Austin Leonard teamed up for a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 2 boys doubles, and the Bulldogs started off their 2026 campaign with an 8-4 victory over the 6A Trojans on Friday afternoon at the James E. Russell Center.

"She’s been training hard since winning state in 2024 and 2025, and she just keeps getting stronger," Sandpoint High head coach Kent Anderson said of Rickert. "Pepper’s serve is virtually untouchable, while her drop shots can be devastating."

As for Jensen and Leonard's match, Anderson noted that big hits by Leonard combined with Jensen’s quick hands at the net proved to be too much for their opponents.

Also picking up a victory for the girls was Morgan Harris, who prevailed after several long points in the No. 3 singles position, and Lily Evans and Avery Thornton, who teamed up for a 6-4, 7-5 hard-fought win in the No. 1 doubles spot.

For the boys, Nathan Duke was solid at No. 1 singles, using solid groundstrokes, big backhands, and a punishing net game to dismantle his opponent for a 6-0, 6-1 win. Playing in the No. 2 singles spot, Joey Allen's consistent ground game and power paid off as he opened the season with a two-set victory. Coach Anderson said he was also impressed with Brayden Western, whose confidence and composure paid dividends in the No. 3 position as the Bulldogs pulled off the sweep in the category.

In mixed doubles, Amelia Poulsen and Tanner Western posted a 6-2, 7-5 win in the No. 1 position to round out the wins on the day for the Bulldogs.

"Amelia and Tanner found themselves in a battle that they finally won," coach Anderson noted. "Amelia’s composure and solid groundstrokes combined well with Tanner’s speed and competitive nature to bring home the victory."

Sandpoint (1-0) hosts Lewiston on Tuesday at James E. Russell Center for a 5A Inland Empire League matchup.

GIRLS SINGLES

No. 1 — Pepper Rickert, Sandpoint d. Faith Banks, Post Falls, 6-0, 6-0. No. 2 — Cora Woydziak, Post Falls d. Morgan Dail, Sandpoint, 6-3, 6-4. No. 3 — Morgan Harris, Sandpoint d. Gloria Anderson, Post Falls, 6-0, 6-2.

BOYS SINGLES

No. 1 — Nathan Duke, Sandpoint d. Taylor Holding, Post Falls, 6-0, 6-1. No. 2 — Joey Allen, Sandpoint d. Noah Ingle, Post Falls, 6-4, 6-2. No. 3 — Brayden Western, Sandpoint d. Nigel Greaser, Post Falls, 8-3.

GIRLS DOUBLES

No. 1 - Lily Evans/Avery Thornton, Sandpoint d. Lailah Bonner/Rachel Reece, Post Falls, 6-4, 7-5. No. 2 — Alexis Dalton/Abby Lloyd, Post Falls d. Zayda Ambauen/Paityn Zimmerman, Sandpoint, 8-5.

BOYS DOUBLES

No. 1 — Isaiah Robinson/Branson Morse, Post Falls d. Umbi Petito/Caden Martz, Sandpoint, 6-2, 6-2. No. 2 — McCoy Jensen/Austin Leonard, Sandpoint, d. Brycen Hunter/Oskar Boettcher, Post Falls, 6-0, 6-0.

MIXED DOUBLES

No. 1 — Amelia Poulsen/Tanner Western, Sandpoint, d. Sydney Muir/Tyler Kern, Post Falls, 6-2, 7-5. No. 2 — Athens Nay/Sarah Woodford, Post Falls d. Donna Tutin/Porter Jensen, Sandpoint, 8-6.