Cheney boys', girls' tennis fall in matches at Post Falls

The Cheney boys’ and girls’ tennis teams traveled to Post Falls where they fell to the Trojans in a non-league dual, 10-2.

Mason Van Stone (No. 1 boys’ singles) found himself in a tough spot as he was swept by Lincoln Hill, 6-0, 6-0. Boys’ tennis head coach Jesse Erickson said Van Stone repeatedly found himself in long 20-stroke rallies throughout the match.

“He just couldn’t execute,” Erickson said. “When you play at the No. 1 spot, you’re going to find yourself in those long rallies.”

Ryan Axtell (No. 2 boys’ singles) lost a grueling match against Morgan Spraul, 6-1, 2-6, 10-8. Axtell attempted a comeback by winning the second set, but could not capitalize to win the third.

Britton Williams (No. 3 boys’ singles) brought his doubles experience to his first singles match as he came away with a win over Parker Lewis, 6-2, 6-1.

“Britton played to his strengths,” Erickson said. “He got to the net for every point. The guy (Lewis) had trouble getting his shots past him.”

The Cheney girls also found some success in singles action. At No. 1 girls’ singles, Katelynn Smedley kept her unbeaten season record alive after she beat Abby Danielson, 6-1, 6-1.

“Katelynn had her opponent all over the court,” Erickson said.

Grace Pohl (No. 2 girls’ singles) fell to Myriea Hernandez in a close match, 7-5, 6-3, while Sarah Fillmore (No. 3 girls’ singles) lost to Jordan Monroe, 6-0, 6-2.

In doubles action, the team of Brandon Foster and Luke Huguenin (No. 1 boys’ doubles) lost to Casey Benton and Lucas Bolster, 6-0, 6-1.

Dirk Ray and Aleksandr Chernega (No. 2 boys’ doubles) fell to Hunter Shertz and Logan Hall, 6-3, 6-0. Chernega was playing in his first varsity match.

The girls’ doubles team fared no better. Elica Starr and Kaitlyn Sweeney (No. 1 girls’ doubles) lost to America Ellison and Meagan McLeod 6-0, 6-0.

Sadie Knutson and Shayla Payne (No. 2 girls’ doubles) were defeated by Maraya Deusser and Lexi Niles 7-6 (7-3), 6-1.

At No. 1 mixed doubles, Solomon Springberry and Jessica Emert — who made her varsity debut — lost to Nick Dorsey and Katie Bechler in a close match, 6-0,4-6,10-3.

Adam Passey and Bridget Calbert (No. 2 mixed doubles) lost to Randy Booth and Kaitlyn McLeod, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).

Erickson said this was the first time Cheney played in mixed doubles this season. Although both teams struggled with communication at first, they fought in the second set, but were unable to clinch the match.

The boys and girls played against East Valley, Tuesday, April 22 in a Great Northern League dual. Both teams were scheduled to face Pullman, April 16, but that dual was moved to Wednesday,April 23. The boys will finish the week against Medical Lake, April 24, while the girls will travel to Colville to play the Indians.

“Overall we got some things to work on, but we’re looking forward to this busy week,” Erickson said. “We’re also getting everyone back after people were gone for spring break and other things. Both teams will be at full strength.”

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].