Tennis: Ronan and Polson face off

POLSON - The freshmen are coming for the Polson tennis team.

Watch out Northwestern A Conference.

POLSON - The freshmen are coming for the Polson tennis team. Watch out Northwestern A Conference.

"They're potentially the best class Polson High School has ever had," head coach Bob Hislop said.

Polson took down Mission Valley rival Ronan in both men's and women's action, 7-0, last Thursday thanks to a roster full of talent, including five fresh-faced ninth-graders who got to play the first high school action of their career.

"That's a big moment," Hislop said. "They know when it's their first varsity match. I was very happy for them."

It wasn't easy though as weather put a large delay on the action and for a considerable amount of time waiting for the rain to stop. Bad weather also cancelled this weekend's duals against Libby and Hamilton.

"It's really tough," Hislop said. "A lot of our kids practice nine to 10 months out of the year. They practice and practice and then have to sit and wait. It's more disappointing for the kids."

It's also tough on the coaches who are trying to get a good grasp on their players during competition. If they don't play because of weather, the coaches have no examples of play to look at.

"It affects them, they're only human," Hislop said. "It just stinks for everybody."

Once the storm clouds broke, Polson defeated Ronan on the boys' side 7-0.

The Pirates rolled through singles action with victories by Ian Laimbeer, Andrew Storro, Jared Gallatin and Brady Hislop.

In doubles action, Will Davey and Justin Evertz defeated Hunter Schima and Payton Adams of Ronan, 6-2, 6-1.

"Justin and Will are just such amazing athletes," Hislop said. "And since they're great athletes, they aren't anywhere near where they'll be by the end of the season."

Hayden Congdon and Dylan McCrumb picked up the No. 2 doubles

victory and Sam Peel and Reed Hovenkotter were victorious in the No. 3 doubles win.

On the girls' side, the multi-sport and multi-talented senior Kendyall Rochin won the No. 1 matchup against Ronan's Josie Benedetti 6-1, 6-4 to set the tone for the Lady Pirates.

Polson's Whitney Zimmerman, Kendyall's sister Karly and Dominique McGowan all backed her up with wins in the single action.

In doubles play, the Lady Pirates' MacKenzie Clay and Jordan Quinn won their No. 1 matchup against Darian Blixt and Catelyn Matkovich, 6-1, 6-1.

Polson's Audra Engebretson and Carmen Borchers, along with Tegan Bauer and Mollybeth Hendrix also picked up wins as double teams.

"It's a really nice start to the season," Hislop told the Daily Inter Lake. "It was just good to get the match in."

POLSON BOYS 7, RONAN 0

Singles -

Brady Hislop, P, defeats Chase Allen, 6-1, 6-0.

Ian Laimbeer, P, defeats Joe Dresen 6-0, 6-2.

Andrew Storro, P, defeats Allen Fortin, 6-0, 6-1.

Jared Gallatin, P, defeats Tyson Allen, 6-1, 6-0.

Doubles -

Will Davy/Justin Evertz, P, defeats Hunter Schima/Payton Adams 6-2,6-1.

Hayden Congdon/Dylan McCrumb, P, defeats Aaron Yazzie/Tyler Anderson 6-0, 6-1.

Sam Peel/Reed Hovenkotter, P, defeats Daniel Aylesworth/Logan Sonkkala 6-0, 6-1.

POLSON GIRLS 7, RONAN 0

Singles -

Kendyall Rochin, P, defeats Josie Benedetti 6-1, 6-4.

Whitney Zimmerman, P, defeats Taylor Kourville 6-1, 6-1.

Karly Rochin, P, defeats Jonelle Lauer 6-3, 6-1.

Dominique McGowan, P, defeats Tashina Barnaby 6-2, 6-4.

Doubles -

Mackenzie Clay/Jordan Quin, P, defeats Darian Blixt/Catelyn Matkovich 6-1, 6-1.

Audra Engebretson/Carmen Borchers, P, defeats Seri Smith/Brianna Frank 6-2, 6-0.

Tegan Bauer/Mollybeth Hendriz, P, defeats Elsie Bold/Rachel Cordis 6-3, 6-0.