Getts, Ronish qualify for state

Columbia Falls seniors Grant Getts and Jake Ronish captured the doubles championship at the Western A Divisional Tournament in Kalispell last weekend and will return to the Flathead Valley Community College courts for the state tournament Thursday and Friday.

Getts and Ronish led the Wildcats to a share of second place at the Divisional; they tied with Bigfork, each school scoring 27 points. Whitefish was the Divisional champion with 58 points. Libby had 22 and Polson 21.

"It's the best finish we've ever had," C-Falls coach Gary Yee said. "It's a significant improvement." The Wildcats' previous best finish was fourth.

Getts and Ronish, who are unbeaten as doubles partners this season, posted a 6-2, 6-3 straight set victory over Matt Whitehead and Zachariah Deister in the Divisional title match. The pair has not lost a set all season.

C-Falls sophomore Vadim Zvyagelskiy lost his second-round match, but stayed alive. He eliminated his brother, Miroslav, 6-1, 6-7, 7-5 in what Yee called a 'slugfest." In the match to earn a state berth, Vadim lost to Tanner Hosek of Whitefish 6-2, 7-5.

"He turned it around and had more confidence in his game," Yee said of Vadim.

Miroslav won his second-round match before suffering a loss.

Yee said freshmen Brian Marcille and Parker Johnson came close to upsetting No. 1 seeded Tanner Engebretson and Stefan McCrumb of Polson. The Wildcats came back to win a consolation match, but were then eliminated. Billy Garcia and Scott Hopkins won a consolation round match in doubles.

Tim Spencer won a consolation match in singles.

GETTS AND Ronish will take the court around 9:30 a.m. Thursday. All the doubles matches are at the eight-court facility at FVCC.

"They need to play with confidence and play their game," Yee said. "We're working on a variety of strategies and tactics again. They've got a good ability to change strategies mid-match."

This is the third straight year that Getts has qualified for the state tournament. His doubles partner was Cody Maynard in Getts' sophomore and junior years. With Maynard graduating last year, Getts needed a new doubles partner and Ronish has fit the bill quite well.

"Those two have worked extensively on learning new shots," Yee said. "They're coming to this 'state) tournament with quite an arsenal of shots. They don't have a one-dimensional game."

Ronish, who played singles last year, is making his first trip to state. He and doubles partner Wesley Jackson came within a win of qualifying two years ago, but lost to Getts and Maynard in the consolation semifinals.

"I've been waiting awhile," Ronish said of finally qualifying.

Ronish and Getts talked about how to stay focused and advancing at the state tourney.

"We've gotta be consistent," Ronish said.

"We have to be aggressive, and go for it and have fun," Getts said.

What are the prospects of Getts and Ronish reaching the state championship match?

"Anything can happen," Ronish said.

"I like our chances if we come to play," Getts said.