Singled out: Madson and Chambers on a roll

MOSES LAKE — Gabe Madson has been in this position before.

Two years ago, Moses Lake girls tennis head coach Sarah Sawyer combined her with the No. 2 singles player, then, Stacey Redford and the duo just missed the state tournament. This year, Madson has teamed up with this year's No. 2 singles player Nikki Chambers and the two have found themselves competing for the 4A girls doubles state title.

The difference has been the maturity level of both players, Madson said.

"We are both more experienced now and we both want it," the now junior Madson said after trying to make the state tennis tournament two years ago as a freshman.

Chambers started playing tennis for Moses Lake this season and got to know Madson over the summer. As friends, the transition for both Chambers and Madson onto the doubles tennis court has been easier.

Both rely on the other for mental support and are confident the other will be there for those tough shots.

But their friendship has changed that singles player mentality that accompanied both players during the regular season — something that has proved to be difficult during the district and regional tournaments.

"Yeah, but it is fun," Chambers added about taking on the new role of a doubles partner.

Sawyer got a chance to see how Chambers and Madson would compete as doubles players at the Inland Empire tournament earlier this year. When the duo won the meet, it became clear that leaving the pair as partners for the postseason was apparent.

And their run in the postseason has given strength to Sawyer's decision.

"They are very good and could probably beat anybody if things are going their way," Sawyer said.

The two took second at both the district and regional tournaments, losing to Eisenhower's Ciara Schultz and Katie Staudinger. Naturally, Sawyer, Chambers and Madson would like to see a rematch after losing the regional championship match 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.

"I just hope they play Eisenhower again," Sawyer added. "They can take Eisenhower and want to face them again."

But the only thing stopping them right now from finishing at the top is themselves. As singles players, they have been used to taking the winning shot and relying on their own abilities on the court.

Sawyer said they tend to fall back on singles player strategies and it has got them into trouble. But quick reminders have kept Chambers and Madson on track with placing, or even winning a state doubles title, something that has never been done in Moses Lake High School tennis history.

"We want first, but we don't know," Madson said. "We don't know the other teams on the west side."