Bulldogs peaking for divisional
<p>Hayden Eaton returns a volley last week during a match against Columbia Falls.</p>
Whitefish’s boys tennis team finished the regular season strong, picking up wins last week over Columbia Falls and Libby.
Whitefish dominated the Wildcats on Monday with a 6-1 victory. Each of their wins came in two sets. Whitefish coach Chris Schwaderer said he was proud of the way the boys bounced back after a tough loss the prior week in Columbia Falls.
“They played up to their potential and met my expectations for them,” he said.
At Libby, the Bulldogs picked up critical wins from Nevada Kramer at No. 2 singles and Hayden Eaton at No. 4 singles.
Sean Janni and Logan Blades showed they’ll be a team to contend with at divisional winning the No. 1 doubles match 6-3, 7-5. Nathan Fauth and Bailey Jack won at No. 2 doubles, and Chaffin Ross and Ryan Brown won at No. 3 doubles.
The divisional tourney begins this Thursday at the Flathead Valley Community College tennis courts.
Schwaderer says it’s time to put the ups and downs of the regular season behind them and focus on tournament action.
“This season has been a process,” Schwaderer said. “We’ve won some and lost some, but ultimately dual victories don’t matter. They’re for pride.”
He said they finally found their chemistry.
“We’ve got it figured out,” he said. “Now is the time we sit back and let it all happen.”
Janni and Blades earned a No. 2 seed in doubles action. Schwaderer expects the duo to make a run at state.
“They’re definitely a team to watch,” he said. “On paper they’re one of the best teams out there.”
While no Bulldog players are seeded in singles action, Schwaderer says they received a good draw in the bracket. Holden Roberts and Nevada Kramer will play as the Bulldogs No. 1 and No. 2 at divisional.
“If Holden gets on a roll and has some confidence he’ll have a nice tourney,” Schwaderer said.
“Nevada has a great mind and temperament out there. When it gets tense, he’s got the right kind of mental game.”
Noah Roalson and Hayden Eaton round out the singles players.
Schwaderer says Polson is the team to beat, but beyond that it’s wide open.
“It’s going to be a fight,” he said. “It really comes down to who shows up. I’m feeling confident that will be us.”