A tennis: Oehlerich in final, Bulldogs in front

HARDIN — For just the second time all season Jack Oehlerich was taken to a third set, but like the first time, he prevailed.

Oehlerich was pushed to the very edge Friday as Dillon’s Jack Robertson sent set three to a tiebreaker with the Bulldog senior coming out on top. Now Oehlerich faces Wesley Walks of Hardin for his first state championship. 

Meanwhile, in girls doubles its an all-Northwest A championship as the Bulldog duo of Camry Kelch and Maggie Mercer square off with Polson’s Greta Lund and Hinkley Moss, after the Pirate pair to a three-set win in the semifinals late Friday. 

There is a chance of another Pirates-Bulldogs showdown in boys doubles as Whitefish’s Aaron Anderson and Marcus Mercer secured their spot in the final. Polson duo Teague McElwee and Marcus Lucas’ semifinal was pushed to Saturday morning as play reached curfew for the evening. 

In girls singles, the Bulldogs placed two in the semifinals but were shut out of the championship as Miles City’s Ramsey Pryor and Hamilton’s Clara Hanley knocked off Emy Hansen and Liesl Brust. The two Bulldogs are still in the hunt for the podium though. 

In the team competitions, Whitefish sits atop both the boys and girls races. The girls are at 17 points ahead of Miles City at 10. Corvallis, Dillon and Polson who are tied for third at seven. 

The Bulldog boys have 19 points and hold a slim lead over Hardin at 17. Polson and Dillon sit at six each, tied for third. 

Play continues Saturday morning in Hardin as long as the sky stays clear. If rain is a factor, the tournament will move to Billings.