Polson Tennis teams battle through tough weekend

The Polson tennis teams faced a pair of strong opponents over the weekend, earning a split against Dillon on Saturday, April 5, before running into a talented Whitefish squad that proved a tough challenge on the courts.

The Polson girls earned a narrow 4-3 win over Dillon, powered by key singles victories and a clutch doubles performance. At No. 1 singles, Summer Newman battled through a close first set before pulling away in the second to defeat Skylar Lapierre 7-5, 6-1. Vivian Grainey added to the win column with a straight-sets victory at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-4.

Perhaps the most thrilling match came at No. 4 singles, where Johanna Bieber showed grit in a three-set comeback over Evelyn Tolman, winning 4-6, 6-3, 10-7. On the doubles side, Zoe Schroeder and Lindy Dupuis provided a boost at No. 3 with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 performance.

Despite dropping matches at No. 3 singles and the top two doubles spots, the Lady Pirates' singles play proved the difference.

On the boys’ side, Polson turned in a strong showing against Dillon with a 5-2 win, bolstered by a sweep of all four singles matches. Ruger Ellis led the charge with a hard-fought win over Zach Maki at No. 1 singles, 7-6(5), 6-4, while Strider Gage followed suit with a similar two-set victory at No. 2.

Marcus Lucas and Durai Mahkuk rounded out the singles sweep, each securing solid straight-set wins. Although Polson dropped the top two doubles matches, they claimed the third by forfeit, sealing the overall win.

Facing perennial powerhouse Whitefish later in the day, both Polson squads encountered stiff resistance.

The Lady Pirates fell 5-2, with their lone wins coming once again from the singles court. Newman continued her strong weekend with a gritty three-set victory over Liest Brust at No. 1 singles, 6-4, 2-6, (10-7). Greta Lund followed with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 2.

However, Whitefish proved dominant across the doubles court and in the lower singles spots, taking five matches in straight sets to secure the team win.

On the boys’ side, Polson ran into a buzzsaw as Whitefish took a 6-1 victory. Ellis was again a bright spot for the Pirates, winning a tight first set and cruising in the second for a 7-6(10), 6-2 win at No. 1 singles    Junior Ruger Ellis prepares to hit the ball in a singles match versus Dillon. (Bob Gunderson photo)