'Hawk boys' tennis goes 2-0 in nonleague action

Even with some shifts in the lineup, the Cheney High boy's tennis team picked up wins over Greater Spokane League's Shadle Park, 6-1, March 23, Northeast A League's Lakeside, 7-0, March 24.

Against Shadle Park, which was rescheduled from March 22 due to weather conditions, Ryan Axtell, who moved up to No. 1 singles, lost a close match to Brenden Archer, 6-3, 6-7(8-6) 10-5 (tiebreaker). Mason Van Stone, who dropped to the No. 2 singles, defeated Ian Stein (6-4, 4-6, 6-3).

"Ryan and Mason are pretty close as far as skill level is concerned," head coach Jesse Erickson said. "I can see them flip flopping positions during the season."

Brandon Foster, No. 3 singles, won his match against Colin Strout (6-0, 6-1) while Shogo Starr, No. 4 singles, shut out Julian Olson (6-0, 6-0).

Cheney's doubles teams won across the board with Jordan Kauwe and Luke Huguenin, No. 1, picking up their first varsity win of the season over Charlie Myers and Trevin Barrington (6-1, 6-1). Erickson noted that he was impressed with Kauwe, who was not feeling well during the match.

Hayden Bennett and Aaron Fillmore, No. 2 doubles, defeated Tavon Sullivan and Taylor Johnson (6-1, 6-2). No. 3 doubles, Dirk Ray and Aleksander Chernega, defeated Ian Reid and Caleb McDougal (6-0, 6-1).

Against Lakeside, Axtell, won his first match at No. 1 singles against Brady Smith (6-2, 6-3) while Van Stone, No. 2, defeated Justin Golding (6-1, 6-2). Foster, No. 3 singles, won his match against Parker Emerson (6-2, 6-0) and Starr, No. 4, defeated Jesse Woll (6-1, 7-6).

Fillmore and Bennett, who played in the No. 1 doubles for the first time in their careers, defeated Tom Schueller and Mika Catzel (6-2, 1-6, 6-0).

Huguenin and new partner Joel Rice, No. 2 doubles, came back from a one-game deficit to defeat Ryan Walker and David Rothe (4-6, 7-5, 6-2).

"It was Joel's first varsity match and I think they dropped that first set was because that was the first time playing together," Erickson said. "They looked stronger and played much more aggressive as the match went on."

Ray and Chernega, No. 3 doubles, kept their winning streak alive after they defeated Jake Law and Andrew Mitchell (6-2, 6-3).

With Kauwe coming off his illness and Adam Passey returning next week, Erickson said he might shift the doubles lineup this week.

Cheney (4-0 overall) traveled to North Central to play the GSL's Indians, March 30, in a nonleague dual. They face NEA's Deer Park, today (March 31).

"Everyone is looking strong right now, even our JV team," Erickson said. "We are riding high with a lot of confidence. We're just going to keep improving with every match."

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.