Girls tennis gain valuable experience at Cut Bank invite

The Whitefish girls tennis team left the Cut Bank Invitational last weekend with a new appreciation for the relatively calm weather found on their home turf.

Wind speeds on Friday were steady at 30 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph.

“It was the windiest conditions I’ve seen in my 14 years coaching,” coach Pat Dryden said. “I’m proud of the kids. No one complained and they did the best they could.”

Playing in the tough conditions will pay dividends down the road.

“Some of the girls said the next time they play in the wind they’ll remember it’s not that bad — it could be Cut Bank,” Dryden said. “It gave them perspective.”

Despite the wind, the girls picked up a 6-1 dual win over Fergus. They played Cut Bank and Havre to 3-4 losses. Top-rated Polson blew past the Lady Dogs 6-1.

Whitefish posted a winning record in doubles matches. With some injuries and illnesses, Dryden mixed up the teams.

Anna Peterson and McKenzie Wick teamed up against Havre and posted a convincing win.

Caroline Carbo and Heather Luedke also played well together, Dryden said.

Senior Simone Craft was impressive at No. 1 singles.

“Her consistency is way up and her serving is becoming a weapon,” Dryden said.

The coach says the invitation format will benefit the Dogs come divisionals.

“Last year, not being at the invitationals hurt us because of the mental preparation that goes into them,” he said. “There’s a lot of sitting around and waiting. If you don’t know how to handle that it can get to you.”

This weekend Whitefish plays in the Bitterroot Invite.

“We just have to keep competing,” Dryden said. “Win a couple games and sets, and just stay on the court. That’s how you improve, by playing someone a little bit better.”

Cut Bank Invitational

Cut Bank 4 Whitefish Girls 3

Polson 6 Whitefish Girls 1

Whitefish Girls 6 - Fergus 1

Havre 4 - Whitefish Girls 3