Huskies girls show dominance on the court

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies girls tennis team (8-0) earned a 4-1 team victory Wednesday afternoon against Toppenish to continue their undefeated streak. The Huskies had multiple players playing through illness but powered through to find success on the court. 

“I think things went amazing,” said Huskies Girls Coach Priscilla Tovar. “My first singles is a little under the weather, but she played hard the entire time ... so it was still fun to watch all the way around. My doubles players all were aggressive at the net today, so I’m just proud of them.”  

Huskie first singles player Olivia Harris was one such player, playing through a cold while she faced Rylie Carter from Toppenish. Harris battled hard through her two sets and kept pace with her opponent, but ultimately would fall just short of victory 4-6, 5-7.  

Cierra Giles in second singles put the meet away for Othello at the end of the day against Valeria Gonzalez. Giles dominated the first set and sealed victory in the second set to go 6-0, 6-3 for the afternoon. 

Othello’s first doubles team of Shaylee Freeman and Faith Risenmay also had a close match against Kyra Hurley and Jaide Lopez from Toppenish. While Risenmay was also fighting a cold, the Huskies duo claimed victory over their opponent 6-4, 6-3. 

The second and third doubles teams for the girls both earned swift victories. Alexa Peterson and Hazel Roylance were the first off the court Wednesday afternoon, earning a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Carol Eppinette and Itzel Mena. Meila Zeuidima and Amber Freeman from Othello teamed up to earn a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Erika Cerda and Yadira Arcila and secured a team victory. 

Over the matches both Tuesday and Wednesday, Tovar said the players really learned the benefit of letting things go and moving on to the next set or the next play. 

“(My husband Caleb and I) used to have shirts that said, ‘Amnesia,’ like to forget about that (previous) point and play every point like it’s the last point,” she said. “I think that’s what my girls have been doing consistently throughout the season and I think that’s why we’re finding success.” 

Tovar said she has been working hard with the players this season to ensure they are having confidence in themselves and their teammates on the court. For doubles specifically, she wants the players not to be afraid of attacking the net. 

“If they lob you or they burn you one or two shots, it doesn’t matter; you’re a better team when you’re both attacking the net,” Tovar said. 

With sickness plaguing multiple players on the girls side, the girls coach said she was proud of the dedication that they show for the sport and remain consistent in that dedication throughout the season. With a few days between matches, she has advised the girls to rest up and get healthy again. 

“My girls, they just show up and give it 110% all the time,” said Coach Priscilla Tovar. “They just show up and give it their all and I appreciate them for that.” 

The Huskies remain on their home court for their next matchup against Prosser on Tuesday at 4 p.m. 

Results 

Girls 

Rylie Carter (TOPP) def. Olivia Harris (OTHL) 5-7, 3-6 

Cierra Giles (OTHL) def. Valeria Gonzalez (TOPP) 6-0, 6-3 

Shaylee Freeman/Faith Risenmay (OTHL) def. Kyra Hurley/Jaide Lopez (TOPP) 6-4, 6-3 

Alexa Peterson/Hazel Roylance (OTHL) def. Carol Eppinette/Itzel Mena (TOPP) 6-1, 6-1 

Meila Zeuidima/Amber Freeman (OTHL) def. Erika Cerda/Yadira Arcila (TOPP) 6-2, 6-2 

    Othello player Alexa Peterson responds to a hit from Toppenish during the second doubles match Wednesday afternoon.
  

    Huskies player Shaylee Freeman hits the ball back to the opposing Toppenish first doubles team Wednesday.
  

    Faith Risenmay from Othello smacks the ball over the net to Toppenish during the first doubles match Wednesday afternoon.
  

    Cierra Giles from the Huskies sets up her return during the second singles match against Toppenish.