The Cheney High boys' tennis team were on the verge of sweeping the Great Northern League - that is until they lost to Pullman, 5-2, May 3. Two days earlier the Blackhawks picked up a 5-2 win over Clarkston.
Against the Bantams, Brandon Foster, No. 3 singles, defeated Ian Best (6-3, 6-2) while Shogo Starr, No. 4, won his match against Colton Tenwick (6-2, 6-3). Head coach Jesse Erickson noted that Best defeated Foster earlier in the season.
"Brandon showed how much he's been working on," Erickson said. "His game has improved so much. He pinpointed his opponent's weaknesses early and capitalized. Shogo also played really solid, as he has all season."
In doubles, No. 1 Adam Passey and Luke Huguenin defeated Logan Lookabill and Lane Goin (6-2, 6-4). Both No. 2 Aaron Fillmore and Hayden Bennett (7-6, 6-0) and No. 3 Dirk Ray and Alex Charnega picked up wins (6-0, 7-5).
"The doubles across the board played some of their best sets this season," Erickson said. "It was a good win for us."
In the Pullman match, No. 2 Mason Van Stone defeated Jake Pru (6-1, 7-5) and No. 4 Starr, rallied to edge Tim McAleer (5-7, 6-2, 6-4) in a match that lasted over three hours. Erickson said it was the best match Starr had all season.
"There were some things to take away from the loss," Erickson said. "We knew Pullman was going to be tough and we just came up short."
Cheney wrapped up its regular season against West Valley, May 10, Senior Day. Despite the loss to the Greyhounds, the Blackhawks (6-1 GNL, 12-1 overall) still have a chance to win a second consecutive regular season title.
Pullman (5-1, 12-1) plays East Valley (0-6, 0-9), May 10 and Clarkston (4-3, 4-3), May 12. If the Greyhounds lose both matches and Cheney defeats West Valley, the Blackhawks repeat as regular season champions. If Pullman and Cheney win their matches, they'll finish with an identical 7-1 league record and be co-champions.
"We're not going to underestimate West Valley," Erickson said. "You also never know what will happen with Pullman's matches."
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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