Chiefs end regular season with a win

MOSES LAKE - Momentum is key when your team is heading into postseason play. And the Chiefs, fresh of a home win over Sunnyside Tuesday, have it on their side as they make preparations for the Big 9 District Tennis Tournament at Kissel Park in Yakima tomorrow.

"The boys are really looking forward to playing in Yakima," coach Jon Wrigley said. "Our girls have played well in tournament settings this season, and are hoping to get some wins and surprise."

The Chiefs dominated play against the Grizzles as they only dropped one game in the match. The boys won 7-0, and the girls, 6-1.

Boys

With Drew Perez out of the lineup, Tiernan Hall stepped into the first singles slot and pulled out a 7-5, 6-2 win over Scott Laverman. Second singles Nolan Knapp made it 2-0 Moses Lake with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Matthew Gallahger. Bryan Earl had little trouble with a 6-2, 6-0 win a third singles over Alexis Osunan, and Jace Hunt at fourth singles polished off Trajen Frank in two sets, a 6-2, 6-0.

First doubles Jordan Earl and Marco Sanchez kept things rolling for Moses Lake with a 6-1, 6-0 win over David Lopez and Jacob Martin. Second doubles Jess Alvarado and Pedro Barrras turned back Zach Halma and Nathan Laverman 6-3, 6-2, and Kenan DeHart and Chad Palmer defeated Felix Garcia and Michael Yam 6-0, 6-3 at third doubles.

"We really struggled when we traveled to Sunnyside, so I reminded the boys we needed to play at a higher level at home," Wrigley said. "We really played well, and got the scores we should as a result.  It was senior day so it was nice to have Hall, Earl, Sanchez, Alvarado, and DeHart finish on a high note."

Girls

The girls turned in an outstanding performance as well on the day, taking all singles matches and losing only at third doubles.

Carina LeFave dominated the Cadets Elexis Lepe with a 6-0, 6-0 shutout win at first singles. Marki Koreis had her way with Cheyenne Shultz in a two set 6-1, 6-1 win at second singles, Ece Yilmaz found little resistance from third singles opponent Roxy Plancarbe as she cruised to a two set 6-1, 6-0 win, and fourth singles Julia Medel made it four wins in a row for Moses Lake with a 6-1, 6-0 thumping of Angelina Ceja.

In the team competition it was first doubles Dorothy Catey and Sierra Gallaway picking up a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Itzel Lopez and Lydia Robert, and Liz Busherd and Cira Schwab defeating Keri Haubrich and Mattie Meyers in two sets, 6-0, 6-3. Third doubles Sydney Francis and Micayla Friend pushed Jessica Gamica and Carla Rodriguez to three sets, but dropped the game, 6-2, 3-6, 2-6.

"The girls have lost so many close matches this year, so it was nice to get a win to finish the season. Our three seniors Courtney Kunjara, Marki Koreis, and Ece Yilmaz have seen the team transform from an also ran into a competitive team that can go head to head with any team in our league," Wrigley said. "Koreis will finish with over 40 varsity wins in her career. She has been such an important player the past three years on varsity."

The district first round, quarterfinals and consolation play will take place Saturday. The competition will conclude on Monday. Drew Perez and Tiernan Hall are seeded No. 3 in boys doubles play. Courtney Kunjara and Carina LeFave are seeded No. 3 as well in girls doubles.

Big 9 All-League Team

Drew Perez and Courtney Kunjara were voted First-Team All-League players. Carina LeFave was named Second-Team All-League, and Tiernan Hall and Jace Hunt received Honorable Mention status.