Wolf ace Tenley Stuurmans has been to state twice in three years. (Shannon Leatherwood photo)
Another step on the path to the big prize.
As a precocious 8th grader, Coupeville netter Tenley Stuurmans stormed all the way to the 2B/1B girls’ tennis state tournament, putting up a strong fight while losing both of her matches to hardened veterans.
Now, as a sophomore, the Wolf ace returned to the Yakima Tennis Club and made it to day #2 of the championships before being eliminated.
After splitting a pair of matches Friday — being narrowly edged in a three-hour three-set rumble before thrashing a rival from Okanogan — Stuurmans was one win away from medaling entering play Saturday.
That would have put her in rarified company with Cousin Payton Aparicio, who teamed with fellow senior Sage Renninger to place 4th in doubles at the 2018 state tourney.
But, despite roaring out to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, Stuurmans was eventually nipped 6-4, 6-3 by old pro Natalie Richardson of La Salle, who placed 3rd in 2025.
Richardson will play Avery Boswell of Freeman, who beat Kayden Koth of Manson 6-0, 6-4, in the 3rd/4th place match, while Gursmir Sahota of Jenkins (Chewelah) and Anika Love of Forest Ridge will vie for the title.
Stuurmans, a three-sport star for the Wolves, has two years left to make more memories on the volleyball court, basketball hardwood, and tennis court.
The journey continues. (Sarah Stuurmans photo)
