Bulldogs outdual Vikes

Whitefish's top four singles players all win in straight sets

WHITEFISH - After placing second at state last year, Matt Harris easily could bemoan his No. 2 singles role this spring.

But the Whitefish junior knows the Bulldogs' lineup is too loaded with talent to make room for egos.

Harris did his impressive part Thursday afternoon, winning in straight sets as the Bulldogs rolled to a 7-0 Western A dual tennis victory over Bigfork.

And like most athletes with championship aspirations, Harris saw room for improvement in his 6-1, 6-1 triumph against skilled Vikings sophomore Bridger Mahlum.

"It can always be better," Harris said. "My ground strokes were going a little long today, but other than that, everything was really solid.

"The volleys were going in, the serves were hard - everything kind of fell into place."

A Chilean exchange student, Whitefish's Renzo Caimi flashed his spectacular game in No. 1 action, outlasting Bigfork senior Philipe Meyers 6-2, 6-0. Meyers' consistent approach helped him surge ahead in the first set, but even mistake-free tennis couldn't overcome Caimi's pinpoint control.

"He can place the ball pretty close to perfectly," Harris said. "His serve isn't bad either.

"(Playing at No. 2) doesn't bother me whatsoever. I know that there's a really good player above me, so it doesn't bother me at all."

The Bulldogs improved to 4-0 after going undefeated in duals last year. Whitefish coach Kathy Cummings said the Bulldogs, who took second at last spring's Class A state tournament, have two important ingredients: unselfishness and a relentless desire to improve.

"I see them working together as a team for the ultimate goal of getting to state," Cummings said. "They all know how deep we are and that they're all just part of the team.

"They do make mistakes, but that's where they challenge themselves to practice and play better."

Lucas Peace and Tanner Hosek also earned straight set singles victories, while Whitefish's No. 1 doubles duo of Kyle Jacobson and Ryan Rottenbiller outlasted Tyler Butts and Scott Taylor 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (2) in the most compelling boys' match of the day.

"I think they just played with a lot of heart and they played to their ability," Bigfork co-coach Matt Porrovecchio said of Butts and Taylor. "It's always nice to play a team like (Whitefish) that challenges you, and I think they really put all the pieces together this match.

"They just really played a match that suited their style and ability, and it showed."

Ian Hosek and Brendan Viscomi rallied to a three-set victory at No. 2 doubles, while Matt Whitehead and Zachariah Deister rolled at No. 3.

The action was much tighter on the girls' side as Whitefish edged the Valkyries 4-3 on the strength of three singles victories.

Whitefish's Brielle Menegazzi battled past Kelly Deaton 6-3, 6-2 in No. 1 singles, while Almi Sekecri and Ellie Opel won at Nos. 3-4. Bigfork's Jade Bosic downed Anne Miller 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2.

Clinging to a 3-2 lead, the Lady Bulldogs clinched the dual, improving to 5-0, with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph by Chelsi Birgersmith and Hannah Weaver at No. 3 doubles.

Cummings said Birgersmith and Weaver impressed her with "their persistence and drive to finish the game."

"Bigfork always has a great team," Cummings continued. "(Coach Paul Wallin) does a great job and they're always a great competitor."

The Valkyries swept the rest of the doubles slate, including No. 1, where Quindee Averill and Roxy Thurman held off Kate Klundt and McCara Cullen 6-6 (7-5), 6-3. Nicolette Peterson and Jen Wirth outgunned Steffi Osland and Becca Rozar 6-2, 6-4.

"You can learn a lot in a loss," Porrovecchio said. "I want to play Whitefish 10 times before divisionals, because I think that kind of competition just makes you better.

"You can't say enough about Whitefish. They have great kids and great coaches. We always expect a tough matchup from them, and they delivered."

Boys

Whitefish 7, Bigfork 0

SINGLES - Renzo Caimi, WF, def. Philipe Meyers, 6-2, 6-0; Matt Harris, WF, def. Bridger Mahlum, 6-1, 6-1; Lucas Peace, WF, def. Seth Gordon, 6-3, 6-2; Tanner Hosek, WF, def. Cole Francisco, 6-1, 6-4.

DOUBLES - Kyle Jacobson/Ryan Rottenbiller, WF, def. Tyler Butts/Scott Taylor; Ian Hosek/Brendan Viscomi, WF, def. Jordan Sabo/Sean Barret; Matt Whitehead/Zachariah Deister, WF, def. Evan Jordt/Ryan Gembala.

Girls

Whitefish 4, Bigfork 3

SINGLES - Brielle Menegazzi, WF, def. Kelly Deaton, 6-3, 6-2; Jade Bosic, BF, def. Anne Miller, 6-2, 6-1; Almi Sekecri, WF, def. Ariana Shults, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3; Ellie Opel, WF, def. Lisa Kelecy, 6-2, 6-3.

DOUBLES - Quindee Averill/Roxy Thurman, BF, def. Kate Klundt/McCara Cullen, 6-6(7-5), 6-3; Nicolette Peterson/Jennifer Wirth, BF, def. Steffi Osland/Becca Rozar, 6-2, 6-4; Chelsi Birgersmith/Hannah Weaver, WF, def. Hanna Barrett/Cassie Lepper, 6-3, 6-4.