Libby tennis travels to Whitefish for tournament

The Libby tennis team traveled to Bigfork this past weekend to take part in an invitational tournament. Squaring off against three other schools, the boys tied both Bigfork and Troy and beat Mission, three matches to one. On the girls’ side, no-shows and injuries forced the schedule to be shaken up causing some confusion as to the results.

“The kids had a great day of tennis,” said head coach Kyle Hannah.

Libby’s Ecuadorian tennis sensation Walter Briones continues to dominate his opponents, winning all three of his matches on Saturday to remain perfect for the season.

Hannah said the play of doubles team Jason Brant and Gabe Peck is moving in the right direction. “They really started playing well together and by the third match they were playing really nice tennis,” Hannah said. “Jason is starting to play smarter tennis and Gabe has worked hard and has started serving the ball really well.”

Hannah applauded the effort Jhamall Sykes has put into his game. “Jhamaal has put in countless hours of extra practice and has become a top varsity player,” Hannah said. 

Hannah also said Kody Bailey is improving with his strokes and continues to develop his overall tennis game.

While Hannah was coaching the boys at the high school, assistant coach Terry Oedewaldt instructed the girls at the Montana Athletic Club courts. Despite the scheduling issues, the girls were able to get at least two matches in for the day. Oedewaldt said the Loggers tried to play against Bigfork and Mission.

“I think everyone played hard and I’m definitely seeing some improvement being made,” he said.

Oedewaldt was especially pleased with the progress of the No.1 girls’ doubles team and the play of Kaylene Hudson, the No.1 singles player.

“Everyone is getting better. I’m looking forward to seeing how we play against Columbia Falls with a full roster,” he said.

Oedewaldt said the team was short some netters due to music and soccer scheduling conflicts. 

The Loggers will host Columbia Falls on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. 

Boys    

Libby 2 Bigfork 2

Walter Briones, Lib., def. Isaac Martel 6-0, 5-7, (10-3)

Alez Buenz def. Kody Bailey, Lib., 5-7, 6-2, (9-11)

George Gibson/Ben Russell def. Jason Brant/Gabe Peck, Lib., 6-7(7-9), 3-6

Jhamaal Sykes/Ramond Sadewasser, Lib., def. Mack Paine/Gus DiPaulo, 6-2, 6-3

Libby 3 Mission 1

Walter Briones, Lib., def. Andrew Esslinger, 6-2, 6-0

Kody Bailey, Lib., def. Dominik Stallings, 6-2, 6-0

Jamie Mullins/StevenBravo def. Jason Brant/Gabe Peck, Lib., 0-6, 1-6

Jhamaal Sykes/Ramond Sadewasser, Lib., def. Liam Yelsa/Warren Castor 6-3, 7-6 (7-3)

Libby 2 Troy 2

Walter Briones, Lib., def. Dominic Chiaverini, 6-2, 6-0

Ben Haggerty def. Jhamaal Sykes, Lib., in a third set tiebreaker 

Jason Brant/Gabe Peck, Lib., def. Craig Helmrick /CJ Beard, Troy, in two sets

Alex Day/Brennan Olds def. Kody Bailey/Raymond Sadewasser, Lib., 1-6, 0-6