Lady 'Dogs blast Ronan, ready for divisional
A disappointing stretch of tennis came to a screeching halt for the Lady Bulldogs on Saturday as the girls squad steamrolled Ronan 6-1 in a conference dual.
The win snapped a five-dual losing streak for the Lady 'Dogs, and more importantly gave the team a shot of confidence going into the divisional tourney, slated for today and Friday in Kalispell.
Whitefish's No. 2, 3 and 4 singles players easily won their matches with Ronan, and the doubles teams swept the competition.
The senior duo of Anne Miller and Hannah Weaver at No. 1 doubles tallied their first win of the season as a team, taking down Darian Blixt and Katelyn Matkovich 6-2, 6-2.
In the longest match of the day, Bailey Chauner and Alexa Holliday went three sets with Taylir Colvile and Sarah Anderson before sealing the win 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
In singles, Kendall Sattler continued her impressive year, topping Jonillo Lauer 6-1, 6-1. Tara Sullivan and Emily Blumhardt each scored two-set wins for the Lady 'Dogs, as well.
For the divisional tourney, Whitefish coach Mike Watson says he expects his team to be competitive and leave the tourney with a few wins — and hopefully qualify some players for state.
"I'd like to see the seniors finish up their careers strong," Watson said.
Senior Courtney Wilder is the No. 1 seed from Whitefish and faces a tough opening match against Polson's No. 2 player, Erika Nunlist.
Freshman standout Sattler is at No. 2, while Sullivan plays at No. 3 and Megan Danczyk is at No. 4.
In doubles, Miller and Weaver claimed the top seed from Whitefish and will face Shay Grilley and Krystal Bedford of Columbia Falls in the first round.
Bailey Chauner and Alexa Holliday are at No. 2 doubles, and Ryan Chauner and Hailey Craven are at No. 3 doubles.
Tournament games will be played at Flathead Valley Community College and The Summit starting at 10 a.m. today. The top-four singles players and the top-three doubles teams from the tourney earn a ticket to the Class A state tournament in Billings on May 27-28.