Wildkat netters win twice in doubles against Polson

Columbia Falls opened the girls tennis season Tuesday at home against Polson and earned wins in two of the three varsity doubles matches. The Pirates swept the four singles matches and took the dual, 5-2.

"Despite the fact that it was Polson's eighth match and only our second night outside on the court, we played pretty well," C-Falls head coach Jerry Smalley said. "At times, very well."

In the No. 1 doubles match, Stephanie Raymond and Shelby Hobbs rallied from a first-game loss to win in split sets over Heather Mathison and Kelsie Jones. Mathison and Jones took the first game 6-2, but Raymond and Hobbs took the next game, 6-2. The Wildkat duo dominated the deciding set, winning 6-0.

"Stephanie and Shelby showed senior leadership by playing aggressively," Smalley said.

Also picking up a win in split sets were Aysia Potter and Franki Anderson in No. 3 doubles. Scores were 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a victory over Danielle Kinyon and Kelsie Howell.

Natalie Law and Gabi Stenger were very competitive in No. 3 and 4 singles, respectively. Law lost to Kendyall Rochin, 3-6, 2-6, and Stenger fell to Sara Keeble, 6-7 (2-7), 6-0, 2-6.

"The future of Wildkat tennis looks bright as shown by the solid play of freshmen Natalie Law and Gabi Stenger," Smalley said.

In No. 1 singles, Jane Probst of Polson swept Laura Burgi, 6-0, 6-0. Polson's Kayla Rochin posted a 6-0, 6-0 win over Lexie Bartkoski.

Lexi Cline and Jenni Reilley of Polson defeated Marissa Getts and Lydia Freeman 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 2 doubles match.

"Sometimes we played like we'd practiced in the gymnasium for three weeks, then went on Spring Break," Smalley said, and that's exactly what the Wildkats did. "Actually, all things considered, we played well, despite the score."

C-Falls' girls tennis is idle until next Tuesday, when the Wildkats host Whitefish.