LHS tennis finds positive start to season
A year ago at this time, Libby High School tennis players couldn’t pick up their racquets and practice backswings and serves until snow had been removed from the courts. But thanks to a mild winter and warm early spring, this year’s sizeable Logger contingent has been able to focus more on the game.
“In the past, we’ve had shovels in our hands the first couple of weeks,” LHS tennis coach Kyle Hannah said. “The kids’ demeanor is a lot better this year … that may have brought out more (players).”
Hannah was thrilled to see 48 students come out for tennis – including 17 freshmen. The high participation rate among younger athletes is important because 16 seniors will be graduating.
One of those seniors, Jackie Mee, returns for one final run with the Lady Loggers. Mee went 20-0 last season and won the Class A state singles title with a victory over Billings Central’s Brittney Hatzell.
Besides Mee at No. 1 singles, other projections include Anna Valentine teaming up with Audra Poppen at No. 1 doubles. Valentine and Nichole Newman – the only player lost through graduation – played at state last year. Poppen moves over from singles.
Alex Cislo is a returning state qualifier for the boys. But Hannah said the Logger junior this season will team up with T.J. Benson in doubles. Benson is out for competitive tennis for the first time but has played the game on a recreational level.
Nate Broden and Lewis Brossman will also play at doubles for the Loggers. Broden made it to state last season with partner Cyrus Maloney.
With Cislo’s move, Cree Maloney is now penciled in at No. 1 singles heading into the season.
High participation numbers have forced coaches to take a good look at more talent waiting in the wings. Hannah mentioned both Crawford Dinning and Chris Faulkner as boys to keep an eye on.
“I’m very excited about the year. We have a lot of good expectations for these kids,” Hannah said. “We’re just excited to compete with other teams this year as a whole squad and not with just one or two players. Hopefully, we’ll win some duals.”
Libby opens the season on Saturday with a dual at Stevensville – an opponent LHS did not face last year. The team then doesn’t see action again until an April 9 home appearance.
The nice weather has played a positive role in the Loggers’ preparation.
“It’s going to give us an upper hand because the kids are out there hitting,” Hannah said. “Some of these other places have access to indoor courts and now we’re on the same level.”
Hannah said he did not have to cut any athletes because of a strong staff that includes volunteers. Barb Mee returns as assistant coach and two volunteers are also lending their expertise – Terry Oedewaldt and Dave Nelson.
“Without those two, we would have to cut kids. I don’t like to do that in tennis because it’s a lifelong sport and I want them to have the opportunity to play,” Hannah said.
Varsity Schedule
Mar. 27 at Stevensville Noon
April 9 Columbia Falls 1 p.m.
April 9 Lakeland 5 p.m.
April 10 at Polson 10 a.m.
April 10 Hamilton (at Polson) 1 p.m.
April 15 at Whitefish 4 p.m.
April 16-17 at Cutbank Tourn. TBA
April 23 at Sandpoint 3 p.m.*
April 24 at Bigfork 11 a.m.
April 24 Cut Bank (at Bigfork) 1 p.m.
May 1 Ronan# (at C. Falls) 11 a.m.
May 8 Bigfork 10 a.m.
May 8 Troy 2 p.m.
May 13 at Columbia Falls 1 p.m.
May 14 Whitefish 4 p.m.
May 15 Polson 11 a.m.
May 15 Columbia Falls 1 p.m.
* PDT
# Doubleheader
Note: The divisional tournament is scheduled for May 20-21 at Kalispell. The state tournament is scheduled for May 27-28 at Billings.