The Cheney boys’ tennis team traveled to Moses Lake, March 15, to compete in a jamboree.
The Blackhawks lost to Ellensburg, 6-0, and Othello, 4-2. In their last match, they defeated Moses Lake, 4-2.
In No. 1 singles, sophomore Ryan Axtell went 1-2 in competition. He lost to Othello’s Tim Miller, 6-0, and Moses Lake’s Chad Palmer, 6-0. He defeated Othello’s Diego Villarreal, 6-2.
In No. 2 singles, sophomore Jordan Kauwe dropped matches against Ellensburg’s Coleman Schnebly, 6-2, and Othello’s Marty Garza, 6-1. He defeated Moses Lake’s Ming Blowser, 6-1.
In No. 3 singles, sophomore Adam Passey lost to Ellensburg’s Stephen Shmeleski, 6-0. He won his second match by default and defeated Moses Lake’s Billy Francis, 6-2 in his third match.
In No. 1 doubles, Luke Huguenin and Britton Williams lost their first two matches and won their third by default.
In No. 2 doubles, Brandon Foster and Dirk Ray also went 1-2 in competition, their third match by forfeit.
Head coach Jesse Erickson said several of the players who went to Moses Lake were competing at the varsity level for the first time. He explained that the athletes were not playing consistently in their early matches; however, they improved later in the day. He also said that several of the players were aggressive and attacking the net.
Erickson said the team would work on consistency while doubles teams would focus on communication on the court.
“The kids maintained their confidence and were getting better with each match,” Erickson said. “There was a lot to take away from (the jamboree), both positives and negatives.”
Only taken seven players competed in the jamboree, which forced the Blackhawks to forfeit some of their matches. Erickson said that several athletes signed up late and were ineligible to compete because they did not have enough practices.
This year’s team consists of mostly sophomores, though Erickson said there are a few freshmen, juniors and seniors.
“We’re a young team, but a lot of kids from last year are coming in with varsity experience,” Erickson said. “We got back some key players.”
The team competed in their first match of the year, March 19, against Shadle Park. They will head to Medical Lake, March 20, to face the Cardinals, and return home, March 21, to play Freeman.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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