Tennis squads compete in divisionals this week

The Columbia Falls tennis teams split the bill against Stevensville last week. The boys won 6-1 and the girls lost 4-3 to end the regular season.

John Gilk led the boys in No. 1 singles, dropping Sam Hale, 6-2, 6-3. Molly Schmit won the No. 1 girls singles, 6-0, 6-2 over Erin Bartlett. The Wildcats were blanked by Polson, 7-0 last Thursday, but Schmit dropped Polson’s Shea McGuinness 6-4, 6-2 for the Kats’ lone win.

The squads competed at the divisional tourney Tuesday and Wednesday in Polson and Ronan after presstime.

“I think the girls are ready for divisionals. We were still working on doubles teams and the seeding of our singles players as late as our Saturday match against Stevi, but now I’m confident we have the girls in the right place to give them their best chance to compete. Molly Schmit is going into the divisional tournament ranked as one of the top girls in the division, which is a real credit to the hard work she puts into her tennis game in the off-season,” said girls coach Gene Marcille.

The boys are also looking to get players qualified for state.

“Defeating Stevensville 6-1 on Saturday was a great way to end the season. I’m so proud of everyone on the team. We’ve got some tough competition at divisionals but the Cats have put in a lot of time practicing and I’m looking forward to seeing it pay off on the courts,” coach Michele Colliander said.

Boys

Columbia Falls 6, Stevensville 1

Singles — John Gilk, CF, def. Sam Hale, 6-2, 6-3; Jayden Wirkus, CF, def. Noah Brenneman, 6-2, 6-2; Chris Howell, CF, def. Reese Haugo, 6-0, 6-1; Garrett Caffrey, CF, def. Braxton Craythorn, 6-0, 6-0.

Doubles — David Haacke/Tucker Weber, S, def. Caleb Fleury/Patrick Tillman, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5; Tristan Grein/Colton Byrd, CF, def. Noah Brenneman/Tom Trangmoe, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6); Camryn Klintworth/Dillon Washington, CF, def. Austin Armijo/Tristan Delgadillo, 6-3, 6-3.

Girls

Stevensville 4, Columbia Falls 3

Singles — Molly Schmit, CF, def. Erin Bartlett 6-0, 6-2; Sammi Mueller, CF, def. Ashley Eyre 6-2, 6-1; Anna Pickard, CF, def. Brianne Bartschi 6-1, 6-2; Callie Cavill, S, def. Brianna Kirby 6-3, 6-2.

Doubles — Shelby Spokas/Jackie Westman, S, def. Megan McCallum/Kayla Nicol 6-1, 6-3; Alex Deschamps/Kayla Eyre, S, def. Shaelynn Turk/Mariah Lingle 7-5, 7-6 (7-4); Jamyn Beller/Kylie Burlingham, S, def. Paige Lozeau/Taylor Keller 7-5, 7-5.