Cheney Boys drop two matches

CHENEY- Back-to-back losses to Ferris and Lewis & Clark last week has the Blackhawks sitting at 2–4 in the Greater Spokane League standings and 5–5 overall with two matches left before the Inland Empire Tournament on Friday.

Cheney had momentum on its side when the team hit the road to take on the Saxons on Tuesday, April 19 having pulled out a 4-3 over North Central a few days prior. But the Blackhawks were not able to capitalize on it and dropped the match, 6-1.

"Their first three singles were incredible-I thought our guys played well, but we were just outmatched," Coach Dan Estock said. "We noticed some fine-tuning that we worked on. There are so many little details to this game that can make the difference in a few points and ultimately, the end results sometimes. That's part of what makes it fun."

Cheney's lone win came from the No. 4 singles spot.

"Jacob(Estock) frustrated his opponent with his consistency and hustle. He really moved well and took good angles to the ball returning shots that his opponent probably was not used to getting back," Estock said. "There was a time when all three of our doubles teams were up, and it occurred to me that we might be able to pull off the improbable.

"Hat's off to them for making adjustments though, where we didn't. We gave them a battle and they gave us a little fire in our bellies to improve in a couple aspects of our game."

Cheney matched up with returning district champion Lewis & Clark on Thursday, April 21, but it was all Tigers, blanking the Blackhawks, 7-0.

"It turned out to be a great day for tennis in Cheney (weather-wise)," Estock said. "Unfortunately, we were on the losing end of a lop-sided contest- LC beat us in commanding fashion."

Cheney hosted Central Valley on Tuesday and entertained Mt. Spokane on Wednesday, but the match results were not available at press time. The Blackhawks take part in the Inland Empire Tournament April 28 and 29.