The Great Basin Conference state-qualifying prep tennis tournament opened Tuesday, May 11 at Sun Valley Tennis Club—but first the host Wood River team had some unfinished business last Thursday.
Wood River honored its seniors Thursday, May 6 during the final home Great Basin Conference dual meet of the season, against Canyon Ridge on the Hailey tennis courts.
Hailey seniors saluted were Morgan Pike, Brendan Freund, R.J. Forgeon, Jordan Niedrich, Lauren Reutter and Tory Lakey.
Coach Vicki Johnston said, "We had a pretty special last home match honoring our outstanding seniors. Our team has been so fortunate to have a group of such positive leaders, role models and mentors. I know that wherever their lives may take them they will truly make a difference."
This has been a special Wood River tennis team. Unbeaten in league, Wood River (11-0 dual matches, 8-0 league) dominated 11 opponents—winning by a combined 123-9 score counting boys and girls.
Johnston said, "As a whole my team has impressed me beyond my expectations. I know we're a really good team. We've proven that throughout the season by not dropping more than two matches per meet.
"The team has worked really hard on patience and consistency. Sometimes that can be the biggest challenge in tennis especially when they play against players that may not hit the ball with a lot of pace. You have to be smart and have desire."
Wood River's girls have won two straight conference championships but the Wolverine boys are seeking their first. From the two-day GBC finals ending today, Wednesday at Sun Valley, the top four singles players and top four doubles teams advance to the State 4A tournament May 21-22 at Julia Davis Park, Boise.
Johnston said, "My expectations for districts are high. So are the expectations of each member of the team. I know we'll do well. I'm hopeful that we will all qualify for state."
Results from Thursday:
Wood River 12, Canyon Ridge 0
Boys' singles: #1—Karl Wilander (WR) 6-0, 6-0 over Ken Marshall (CR). #2—Josh Morell (WR) 6-2, 6-1 over Dan Plant (CR). #3—WR by forfeit.
Girls' singles: #1—Ellen Davis (WR) 6-7, 7-6, 10-7 over MacKenzie Bagget (CR). #2—Sloan Storey (WR) 6-4, 6-2 over Stacey Baird (CR). #3—Lily Richards (WR) 6-0, 6-2 over Harlee Nevarez (CR).
Boys' doubles: #1—Brendan Freund and R.J. Forgeon (WR) 7-6, 6-0 over Aron Cutler and Chase Petty (CR). #2—Raleigh Grossbaum and Charlie Grabow (WR) 6-0, 6-0 over Kevin Brown and Randy Ruhter (CR).
Girls' doubles: #1—Lauren Reutter and Margaret Reutter (WR) 6-0, 6-1 over Kyla Rogers and Mary Walton (CR). #2—WR by forfeit.
Mixed doubles: #1—Morgan Pike and Jessica Hamilton (WR) 6-2, 6-0 over Casey Petty and Brooke Johnson (CR). #2—Will Eagan and Tory Lakey (WR) 6-0, 6-2 over Conner McCall and Jackie Osuna (CR).
