Girls tennis wraps up season with 9-4 dual record

The Columbia Falls girls tennis team wrapped up its regular season with a win against Libby last Thursday, 6-1.

The Kats put together their best dual season in years, going 9-4 with shutouts of Eureka, Whitefish and Stevensville.

The win Thursday avenged an early season loss to Libby.

"All players are key players in tennis match victories," coach Jerry Smalley said. "This year we had the luxury of seniors playing No. 2 doubles (Franki Anderson and Pepper Borland) and No. 3 doubles (Shay Grilley and Krystal Bedford). In her first year, after missing several weeks early in the season, Shay has developed into a fine player."

Smalley also had kudos for his singles players, including first-year players Elena Potter and foreign exchange student Tami Kolatschek of Germany.

"Potter has commanded the No. 4 singles spot. Her game sense is uncanny for a player with such limited experience," he said. "Kolatschek, who plays competitive ping-pong back home, has dominated No. 3 singles. This was a year of 'Give the ball to Tami and expect a win.'"

Smalley is leaning on his sophomores for post-season success.

"Gabrielle Stenger and Natalie Law are rapidly gaining confidence in their shot selection every time they play," he said. "And Lexie Bartkoski and Marissa Getts, both juniors, are hitting sharper angles and developing into an exceptional doubles team."

The girls travel to Kalispell for the divisional tourney starting Thursday at Flathead Valley Community College.

Smalley said a strong junior varsity program has helped the team.

"JV coach Erin Quintia prepares the girls, physically and mentally for varsity tennis competition," he said. "JV girls play 'exhibition matches' following varsity competitions and also play matches against area schools. The right blend of experienced players, newcomers, and an 'I want to learn' attitude are necessary ingredients for a successful dual tennis season."

Divisional play starts at 10 a.m. Thursday.