Boys and girls tennis split with Davis

YAKIMA - Coach Jon Wrigley knew his team would have to be on its game if the Chiefs were going to post wins on the road at Davis Friday.

The Pirates are always tough at home, and this year the girls team was undefeated in league play going into the match against Moses Lake, and have three of the top players in the Big 9.

Unfortunately, things didn't turn out well for the Lady Chiefs as they dropped their match to the Pirates, 6-1. The boys, however, had little trouble with Davis as they turned back the Pirates 5-2.

Boys

The match looked bleak at the onset as Moses Lake dropped the first and second singles competition as Drew Perez lost to Kyle Miller in two sets, 6-7 (1), 4-6, and Daniel Catton defeated Tiernan Hall, 2-6, 2-6. But the Chiefs hung tough and battled back to take third and fourth singles, and then won all three doubles matches to come away with a victory.

"I was surprised Davis caught us at the top two spots, but was really pleased how well we battled and played at the last two singles spots," Wrigley said. "Jace (Hunt, third singles) has really picked up his game, and Bryan (Earl) is still undefeated at fourth singles on the season.  Uhlinger and Ward (third doubles) continue to take full advantage of their new place on varsity. They are really efficient on the court."

Girls

Davis lived up to its No. 1 ranking in Big 9 girls tennis as the Pirates had their way with the Chiefs. Davis dominated singles play taking all four matches, then took two of three doubles games to post a 6-1 win over Moses Lake.

"Davis is the team to beat. The twins (Megumi and Erica DeMond) have been to state twice and I am sure are looking at a third time," Wrigley said. "Having that much firepower at the top is a tall order. Ciara Schwab and Liz Busherd (second doubles) were down 0-5 in the third set and found a way to win. What a great showing of mental strength by the pair." 

The win for the boys puts the team at 4-2 in league play, and 5-4 overall and into a tie for second place with Eastmont. The loss for the girls drops them to 3-3 and 3-5 overall and into a tie with Wenatchee for third place in the standings.

Moses Lake is back in action tomorrow when the Chiefs host Eastmont at 3 p.m.

"Eastmont caught us (boys) a little short-handed early in the season, so the team is looking forward to the rematch. But we need to pick up our game if we want a different outcome," Wrigley said. "The girls have defeated Eastmont 4-3 the last two times we played them. This is going to be a great match again, and one of the exciting pieces of the new format in our league."