Kats drop Libby, do well at Kalispell tourney
It was a busy week of tennis for Columbia Falls as the teams played a slew of matches in weather that was often less than friendly.
The Wildkats dropped Libby 6-1 on April 16 at home. The Kats were led in singles play by freshman Emily Getts, who beat Harley Malmstrom 7-6 (7-5), 6-0.
On the boys side, Libby won 4-2. But the Cats got a win from its top doubles team as Andrew West and Mason Gedlaman dropped Ian Myslicki and Lane Luscher 7-5, 7-6 (7-2).
On April 18, the girls had a rough time against Flathead and Glacier high schools as they failed to win a match against either school.
The boys were also blanked by Glacier but had a better showing against Flathead, losing 5-3. Flathead won all of its singles matches, but the Cats won three in doubles.
West and Gedlaman beat Connor Roettig and Tristan Dills, 6-1, 6-1; Gavin Thelan and Josh Potter beat Joey Swisher and Daniel Olszewski, 6-0, 6-3 and Zayne Brunz and Logan Carr beat Kody Butts and Eric West 6-2, 6-2.
The teams traveled back to Kalispell on April 20 in a tournament that was shortened by rain.
Caleb Baumann made it to the singles No. 2 semifinals, losing to Glacier’s Jordan Bridwell in a tight match, 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 (10).
Gedlaman and West competed in the No. 2 doubles semifinals against Hellgate High School’s Sampo Hall and Max Williams, but lost 6-3, 6-4.
“It was good to see that much tennis and play against a variety of opponents,” boys coach Gary Yee said.
Yee said he’s impressed with the improvement of Baumann, who only won a handful of matches at No. 2 singles last year.
“This season is day and night,” Yee said.
On the girls side, Gabby Keller and Kiersten Wendt made it to the No. 3 doubles final but lost to Flathead’s Katie Goodnough and Kenzie Williams, 6-3, 6-3.
“Pretty awesome for Kiersten and Gabby to make the No. 3 championship match,” coach Jerry Smalley said. “I think our girls took a giant stride forward today in their tennis maturity. It always helps to play new opponents.”
This week, the teams travel to the Bitterroot on Saturday for a tournament while the junior varsity goes to Flathead on Thursday.
Boys — Libby 4, Columbia Falls 2
Singles: Jason Schnackenberg, L, def. Caleb Baumann, 6-1, 6-1; Patrick Valentine, L, def. Casey Burgduff, 7-5, 6-3; Chris Whitcamp, CF, def. Brendan Kack, 6-1, 6-3; Trystan Butcher, CF, def. Jason Brandt, 6-4, 6-2.
Doubles: Andrew West/Mason Gedlaman, CF, def. Ian Myslicki/Lane Luscher 7-5, 7-6 (7-2); Jake Reny/Austin Megle, L, def. Josh Potter/Gavin Thelen, 6-4, 6-4; Adam Kirschenmen/Elijah Miller, L, def. Zane Brunz/Logan Carr, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Girls — Columbia Falls 6, Libby 1
Singles: Emily Getts, CF, def. Harley Malmstrom, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0; Emma Covill, CF, def. Erin Rogers, 6-0, 6-0; Hailey Sapa, CF, def. Sarah McBride, 6-0, 4-6, 6-2; McKenna Emmerich, CF, def. Mckenzie Cosgriff, 6-0, 6-0.
Doubles: Kaylene Hudson/Kaya Hardgrove, L, def. Gabby Keller/Micinze Christopherson, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3; Kiersten Wendt/Sonesta Billow, CF, def. Kira Rose/Melaine Thomas, 6-4, 6-0; Baylee Brinton/Olivia Lewis-Peterson, CF, def. Katie Alspaw/Cheyanne Carlson, 6-1, 6-1.