Amanda d’Almeida prepares for a return during her win at first singles. (John Fisken photos)
Jacki Ginnings goes low for a winner.
Big school? What big school?
Lakewood may have one of the largest student bodies in the Cascade Conference, but they got paddled every which way possible Monday by the smallest school in the league.
Hosting their first match of the season, the Coupeville High School girl netters were virtually flawless, rolling to a 4-1 victory to raise their varsity record to a sparkling 2-0.
The Wolves also won four of seven JV matches, and even that wasn’t as close as it sounds, as some of Lakewood’s best players doubled up and pounded on Coupeville’s youngest, rawest players at the very end of the day.
Battling the persistent wind as much as their opponents, the Wolf varsity strolled to easy wins, with the only loss coming in a barn-burner at second doubles that went to a third set tie-break.
Varsity:
1st Singles — Amanda d’Almeida beat Kiley Staley 6-0, 6-3
“Amanda is hitting the ball very hard this year, and today she hit hard despite the wind. I’m really looking forward to her match against South Whidbey. It should be fun,” said Wolf coach Ken Stange. “Amanda has all the tools. She’s extremely fast and anticipates her opponent well, she hits with pace and consistency from both sides, and she has the temperament to persevere in a tough match.”
2nd Singles — Allie Hanigan beat McKayla Schwiger 6-1, 7-5
“Allie was the first one to finish her opening set. I was still figuring out JV partners when she came up to tell me her score. The second set was a little more difficult. The combination of wind and oddly hit balls wreaked havoc on both players. Eventually, Allie was able to put it away when it mattered most.”
1st Doubles — Iris Ryckaert/Holly Craggs beat Hannah Krustsinger/Jenny Tsengelmaa 6-3, 6-1
“Holly and Iris started a little rocky, but shifted into high gear part way through the first set, and maintained that level in the second set.”
2nd Doubles: Breanna Koym/Emily Gallahar lost to Zaya Tengelmaa/Bea Kaiel 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7)
“It was unfortunate, because Emily and Breanna won the first set rather convincingly. After dropping the second, they played a very close final set that went right down to the wire.
“Emily and Breanna were nervous but kept at it. I hope that today’s loss will turn out to be more beneficial than a win, so to speak. Players have tendencies toward learning more about their games after a close loss. This may end up bringing them closer together as a duo.”
3rd Doubles — Ivy and Ana Luvera beat Maddy DeYoung/Jackie Storer 6-2, 6-1
“This was simple domination. Ana and Ivy are in their second year of tennis and are starting to find their way as tennis players. Their opponents were both first year players playing in their second match.
“The twins didn’t disappoint! They were solid from the start and never gave their opponents a chance.”
JV:
4th Doubles — Mary Massengale/Samantha Martin beat Haley Winter/Violet Jensen 9-7
“A good win for our girls. Both are in their first year but show much promise.
“I’m glad Mary came out. She’s a senior and a first year player. That usually spells trouble. Not here. Mary is picking the game up quickly and will be quite the lifelong tennis player.
“Samantha is simply one of the most driven young women I’ve ever met. And she’s a ninth grader.”
5th Doubles — Jacki Ginnings/Micky LeVine beat Camille Madero/Rebekah Schweiss 8-0
“In a battle of four rookies, the two CHS soccer players used their legs only to run. They relied on their athleticism and emerging games to come out on top. It was over in the blink of an eye.”
6th Doubles — Wynter Thorne/Faith Shinn def. Erin Espelad/Lexi Biegier 8-5
“The CHS sophomores rolled in their debut (they missed Friday’s match). Combined they are about 43 feet tall. Wynter is tenacious … just what I’d expect from a hoopster. Faith has a graceful swing motion that is going to be gold … soon.”
7th Doubles — McKenzie Bailey/Maureen Rice beat Hannah Krustinger/Rebekah Schweiss 8-1
“By this time, Lakewood was recycling their 16 players (we had 21). All McKenzie and Maureen (Maureen made her season debut) did was demolish a pair that included a girl that had played at #1 doubles.
“McKenzie’s got game. She lettered on Friday vs. Friday Harbor. Her volleyball skills help her tennis game substantially.
“Maureen is in her second year on the team. She spent most of last year figuring out how to play consistently. She’s got the hang of that. Now she’s learning how to put a hurting on her opponents.”
8th Doubles — Joye Jackson/Miranda Engle lost to Kathryn Winder/Micaela Mediondo 8-2
“It took that long for us to lose our first contest. Not too shabby, I must say! Miranda and Joye were forced together as last minute partners today. Both are improving.
“I heard that Miranda even is buying a new and awesome pink racket. Not just a cheesy pink racket. Wilson makes a pink one that would be worthy of the pro tour. Maybe she’ll let me try it out!”
9th Doubles — Julia Jones/Samantha Thomson lost to Camille Madera/Jenny Tsengelmaa 8-0
“Sadly, two of my kind rookies were beaten up by one of Lakewood’s #1 doubles players. Grrr.”
10th Doubles — Miranda Kortuem/Maureen Rice lost to Maddy DeYoung/Jackie Storer 6-2
“Again, those Lakewood girls made the most of their second opportunity.”
Coupeville Sports 