Othello doubles team sixth at state
Yanitta (left) and Jocelyn Cantu finished sixth at the WIAA 2A State Championship Tournament at the Nordstrom Tennis Center in Seattle.
SEATTLE - The Huskies girls doubles team of Yanitta and Jocelyn Cantu had a fine outing finishing sixth at the WIAA 2A State Tournament at the Nordstrom Tennis Center in Seattle May 25 and 26.
The two got off on the right foot on day one of the competition as they turned back Beat Stacy Hanson and Charolette Kilborn from Kingston in two sets 6-4, 6-3.
"The girls and coaches alike were very nervous," coach Robert Pruneda said. "They came out strong at the net and were able to poach effectively. Jocelyn's serve was powerful and accurate. Yanitta's net play was amazing as she hit difficult angle shots the opposing team could not return."
The win advanced the two to a quarterfinal match up with Kaiti Dell and Megan Schrenk from Selah, whom they defeated 6-3, 6-2 to move on.
"This match was a mirror image of game one," Pruneda said. "The girls had lost to Selah three times this season, so I was excited for this match. Selah lobes the ball well and we have had trouble lobbing their lobs or hitting hard shots from a lob. But the girls came out on fire, pacing deep shots and controlling the net game. Selah tried to counter with lobs but the girls were ready for that and smashed the ball back."
The win advanced the two in the semi-finals and guaranteed them a state placing. Unfortunately, they lost to Becca Wilson and Claire Krause from Squalicum 6-1, 6-2 to drop into the consolation bracket Saturday.
"The girls were not as sharp as they were Friday," Pruneda said. "They played okay at the net and served well, but their return game was off and they lost a lot of points there. The other team was consistent and did not make as many unforced errors as we did."
Yanitta and Jocelyn lost out on their bid for third place to Reile Slattery and Aleassa Wren from W.F. West as they dropped the match 6-2, 6-4 to finish sixth.
"We missed on our lobs and the other team had easy net shots," Pruneda said. "But, overall, the girls played at a high level and represented Othello well. It was an experience they will never forget. We have good talent next year and are planning to be back at state."