The Cheney High boys’ tennis team hit a couple of rough spots this past week.
The Blackhawks dropped a 6-1 decision to the West Valley Eagles in a Great Northern League match, April 29.
Luke Huguenin won his first singles match of the season as he was the only winner for the Blackhawks, beating WV’s Jon Davis at No. 4 singles, 6-1, 7-5.
“Luke played well, lobbing the ball and attacking the net,” Cheney boys’ tennis head coach Jesse Erickson said. “The biggest thing he’s improved on is his serving.”
The next day Cheney lost to Clarkston, 7-0.
“We played some tough teams and made some changes in the lineup,” Erickson said. “Clarkston was a tough and strong team.”
In both matches, several doubles players moved into singles spots. Britton Williams made the transition earlier in the season and picked up three victories before his first loss against West Valley. Erickson said this would give the younger players more experience and help them get ready for next season.
Mason Van Stone and Ryan Axtell continued to struggle as a team, losing both of their matches at the No. 1 doubles spot.
Following the back-to-back league losses, the Blackhawks competed in the Inland Empire Tournament where they found some success.
Van Stone and Axtell picked up their first win together after they defeated a team from Chelan. They lost in the next round to Ferris.
Dirk Ray and Brandon Foster went 1-2 in the tournament, losing to teams from Clarkston and Lakeland and getting a win over Coeur D’Alene by default.
Jordan Kauwe teamed with Grace Pohl to pick up Cheney’s first win at mixed doubles, defeating Moscow.
Tristan Bennett — who spent most of the regular season at doubles — was the only singles player for Cheney. He lost to Wapato and Ellensburg in matches that went into the third set.
“Tristan played well,” Erickson said. “He started off strong and was in a lot of super tiebreakers but wasn’t able to capitalize. When it’s down to crunch time, he’s got to a better job of executing.”
Cheney faces Pullman, May 8, in their final match at home.
“The season is coming down fast,” Erickson said. “We have a lot of practice to do and we’re looking forward to districts. We just got to make sure we’re ready.”
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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