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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (March 22, 2017)
14 Wednesday, March 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Outlaws fall to Mt. View id teddis opeder By Rongi Yost Correspondent The Outlaws fell 7-1 to Mt. View in their first match of the season on Tuesday, March 14. Sean Willitts did not play in the match due to injury, and his partner Jacob Gurney was moved to No. 3 singles. In addition, all the doubles teams had to play one level higher. “These circumstances placed a huge burden on all of our remaining doubles play- ers, as only Isaiah Chapen had any real tennis experi- ence before this season,” said Coach Bim Gander. “Although all three teams lost by lopsided scores to much more seasoned teams, there were plenty of bright spots in their play today. I saw very few double faults, and several games were well-contested.” The Outlaw hero of the day was Jed Kizziar, who nipped Josh Samuels 11-9 in a super-tiebreaker, after the players split the first two sets 6-3, 2-6, at No. 4 singles. “Jed’s style of play looks a lot like his older brother Josh’s, but that style will enjoy more success at No. 4 singles than at No. 2, where players have more variety and consistency. Nonetheless I’m pleased with Jed’s tenac- ity, and we’ll build on the strengths that I saw in him today.” Jonny Gurney lost to TJ Fournier 7-5, 2-6, 0-1 (13), in a heart-breaker at No. 1 singles. Gurney went down 13-11 in a super-tiebreaker, which was played in lieu of a third set. “Jonny had a match point against serve at 9-11, but he barely missed the pass- ing shot that would have won him the match,” said Gander. “This was a terrific battle under swirling winds that frequently bothered both players.” The No. 2 and No. 3 sin- gles were similar in play. Josh Kizziar (No. 2) and Jacob Gurney (No. 3) were aggres- sive in their play, but both were overcome by steadier play by their opponents. “Limited outdoor court practice, due to the snow that buried our home courts, seemed to be a factor in both matches,” said Gander. “Jacob’s first venture into singles play was a bit outside his current comfort zone, but both players will thrive under better practice conditions and additional competition.” Two days later, the Outlaws only posted one win against a tough Redmond squad. Gander said, “The Outlaws tennis team met some stiff competition at the hands of Redmond. Led by No. 1 singles player Benny Saito, this may be the stron- gest Cougar team we’ve seen in years.” The lone win for the Outlaws came at No. 1 dou- bles Jacob Gurney paired up with Jed Kizziar, who replaced Sean Willitts, who is still recovering from a snow- boarding-related concussion. The duo defeated Nich Willis and Garrett Gross 6-3, 6-3. After the match, Gurney stated that he and Jed had Hair & Nails Natural & Artifi cial 541-549-6566 484 W. Washington Ave., Ste. B Storm Damage?! Insulation and Sheetrock Repair & Painting Deck Repair & Replacement t Call 541-588-0083 20 Years Experience | ccb#191760 Call today for an estimate! good chemistry out on the court. “Their consistent service returns, and very effective poaching at the net ruled the day for this brand-new doubles combination. Their immediate success may pose a bit of a quandary for me when Sean returns,” said Gander. Although the Outlaws were swept in singles, Gander told The Nugget there were some bright notes. Jonny Gurney served more consistently, and cov- ered the court better than he did in Tuesday’s match. His exchanges against Benny Saito were longer and showed more variety. Gander did note that Saito will be a force to be reckoned with for the next couple of years, as the Redmond sophomore is unquestionably a state-caliber player. Elijah Gurney picked up a pair of games against a much more experienced Connor Lennie. This was Eli’s first singles match ever, and Gander said he’s making great progress as a new tennis player. Isaiah Chapen also had a good match. His serve and his court coverage have improved this year, and Gander said that with just a bit more self-confidence, he’ll continue to make great strides. Gander said, “The No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams consist of entirely new play- ers this year. To make matters even more difficult, we are still a couple of players short- handed. This means that all of the guys are always paired against much stronger com- petition. But, their spirits are good, and I’m seeing steady improvements with every practice.” The Outlaws will play at home against Bend on Thursday, March 23, and then will pick up play again on Wednesday, April 5, with a match at Madras.