Wildcat tennis squads open season with three matches

The Columbia Falls tennis season got underway last week as the Wildcats opened the season in Ronan Tuesday before hosting Whitefish Thursday and Dillon Friday.

John Gilk and Colton Byrd both picked up wins as they opened they took on Ronan Tuesday.

While the Cats were playing without a full team, head coach Michelle Colliander said she was happy with the performance.

“Overall, I was pleased to see some of the newer kids step up and play their first competitive match against Ronan, it was a good start for us,” she said.

Camryn Lingle picked up a three-set victory over Whitefish’s Carver Gillmon Thursday and also downed Dillon’s Turner Sawyer in sraight sets Friday, 6-1. 6-2.

“His game is better than ever. I’m excited for his success this season,” Colliander said.

In girls action, Gwen Foust picked up the only win for C-Falls against Whitefish Thursday as she defeated Lauren Brown, 6-4, 6-1.

The Wildkats swept Dillon Friday as Hannah Schweikert and Katy Garate both won marathon matches as Schweikert downed Ashlyn Sandall 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (5-7), 10-8 and Garate defeated Nicole Fluckiger 4-6, 6-3, 10-6. Cassidy Norick also took down Bella Glossa in straight sets. Grace Gedlaman was up 6-0 in her match before it was rained out.

The team will host Polson Thursday and be in Missoula Saturday.