Boys win, girls lose back-to-back tennis duals

Libby hosted Polson and Whitefish on Saturday in a back-to-back dual with their division rivals. While the boys were able to pull off a pair of team victories the girls’ team ended up on the wrong side of their matches, losing to both squads.

“We had a wonderful day of tennis,” said head coach Kyle Hannah. “For the most part, all participants came away from their match a better tennis player. I am extremely proud of the way our kids handled themselves in both victory and defeat. They are truly a great group of kids to coach.”

It was another day of straight-set victories for Libby tennis legend-in-the making Walter Briones, who ended the year undefeated. The last Logger tennis player to have ended the season undefeated was Jackie Mee in 2009. She also won the state title that year.

“This is a chance not only to do something very few tennis players have done, but also get his name mentioned at the collegiate level,” said Hannah. “Walter aspires to be a college tennis player close to his home away from home.”

Cody Wood won one of his two tough matches on Saturday. “He played through a couple tough points to show his mental toughness.  Cody is no stranger to tough matches and pressure situations,” Hannah said.

Colin Maloney and Jason Brant suffered their first conference loss of the season. “This could be a blessing in disguise,” Hannah said. “Both players are very competitive and I know this will only drive them to be even more focused with every shot in our next three practices.”

Kaylene Hudson and Paula Fernandez won both of their matches. Hudson and Dani Hawthorne are both playing at the top of their game as the team prepares for the divisional tournament and Fernandez and Katie Alspaw often force their opponents into making mistakes by consistently keeping the ball in play. 

From where Hannah stands, every player on the team continues to put in the work required to improve their game and noticeable improvements are made weekly. With the divisional tournament coming up this weekend, the team is looking ready.

“The team is looking great for this weekend’s tournament,” said Hannah. “The kids are able to be home in their own beds and eat home cooked meals. That is always better than hitting fast food restaurants for three days. The biggest advantage is for the parents, who are able to come and go as their schedule allows.”

The divisionals are in Libby on May 14 and 15.