Polson tennis wraps busy weekend against Bigfork, Corvallis

The Polson tennis teams had a packed weekend of match play across western Montana, securing a pair of team victories over Bigfork on Friday and splitting with Corvallis.

“Branson Moss and Zayne Newman had nice days with a win each in singles and in doubles,” Polson Head Coach Bob Hislop said. 

In Friday’s road contest, the Polson boys dominated Bigfork 5-1. Singles players Branson Moss (8-2), Marcus Lucas (8-1), and Zayne Newman (8-3) controlled their matches with steady baseline play. Gunner Busic fell in the No. 4 spot, but Polson took advantage of Bigfork forfeits in both doubles positions to lock up the win.

On the girls' side, Polson edged Bigfork 4-3 in a tight match that came down to the wire. Baylee Lemm and Maddie Lake both picked up 8-4 singles wins at No. 2 and 3, respectively. Polson earned additional points from a doubles forfeit at No. 2 and steady play across the board to narrowly secure the team win.

Saturday brought a higher level of competition as Polson hosted Corvallis. The Polson boys dropped a close 4-3 decision despite a clean sweep in doubles. The teams of Branson Moss and Teague McElwee, Max Violett and Zayne Newman, and Cade McConnell and Aristo Cannon all earned straight-set victories.

In singles, Polson was swept, although Marcus Lucas pushed Emmet Allsop to three sets after taking the opening frame 6-1. 

The Polson girls flipped the script on Corvallis, winning 4-3. Summer Newman rebounded from Friday’s marathon with a three-set win over Brooke Child, 6-1, 6-7(1), 10-8.

“Greta Lund and Hinkley Moss had a very convincing win vs Corvallis,” Hislop said.

Zoe Schroeder claimed a straight-set victory at No. 4 singles, and the doubles teams of Hinkley Moss and Greta Lund (6-1, 6-4), along with Lindy Dupuis and Chloe Tucker (6-3, 6-2), helped clinch the team result.

“It was our senior day and almost everyone had a win and a loss,” Hislop said. “We had quite a few kids not available to play mainly due to the state music festival.” 

Polson's Summer Newman swats the ball during a number 1 battle against Bigfork. (Bob Gunderson photo)