Tennis builds on success

Spring in Montana brings hope for a new year and a respite from the winter snow flurries.

It also brings tennis, and for Columbia Falls, this year is particularly exciting after a strong showing last year, where the team sent a record five players to the Class A state tournament. Head coach Michele Colliander is optimistic, bolstered by returning talent and a dedicated group of newcomers.

The community, too, has stepped up.

Thanks to the efforts of Columbia Falls City Parks and the Fire Department, the team could start practices outdoors earlier than usual, a crucial advantage given the short 11-week season. Last season, the Columbia Falls girls’ team finished second at the divisional tournament for the second consecutive year. The team has seen minimal turnover, with only four seniors departing, leaving them in a strong position for another competitive year. This season, the roster consists of 25 girls and 22 boys, giving Columbia Falls depth.

Key Players to Watch

On the boys’ side, the return of Will Pickard, Silas Ypma, Sol Masters, and Jax Ramage will provide the team with experienced leadership and skill. Expectations remain high for Pickard as he looks to build on that momentum and move up the podium.

For the girls, Aliyah Arends, Bailey Windauer, Alanis Petersen, and Lucy Love are battle-tested and talented. The team also boasts an exciting group of newcomers, with Campbell LaCasse and Ava Scholz already making an impression early in practice.

With returning talent and emerging players, Columbia Falls is eager to test itself against perennial powerhouses Polson and Whitefish, their most formidable divisional competitors.

“I think overall, the team is really excited to see how we stack up against Polson and Whitefish,” Colliander said.

The energy level has been high, and the team is ready to compete.