Falcons keep winning in Northwest Conference play

The South Whidbey girls tennis team continued their winning ways Monday, thrashing Lakewood 7-0.

“It went OK,” Falcon coach Tom Kramer said.

“They’re playing solid tennis but I still see the mistakes they make, usually because of mental lapses. Obvious work is needed on overheads and better footwork. But we’re making some progress.”

In singles action for the Falcons, Lindsey Newman went 6-0, 6-0, Natalie Wheeler 6-0, 6-1, Noelle Metz 6-3, 0-6, 6-0 and Kaesie Elverum 6-0, 6-3.

The comeback-of-the-day award went to Metz, who struggled mightily in her second set.

“I think I got a little lazy,” she said.

“But then I focused on a few things the coach told me; he said to hit the angles, get off my heels and stay on my toes. That girl wore me out, but she was good competition.”

Doubles players had a fine day as well. Victoria Comfort and Nicole Zalewski went 6-1, 6-1, Jennifer Gemkow and Shannon Craig won 6-4, 6-2 and Katie Holt and Maya Hough went 6-2, 6-2.

Zalewski said she feels the season is picking up.

“We had a slow start, we’re all a little rusty,” she said. “It doesn’t help that it’s been raining a lot; three matches in a row have been cold and wet.”

Comfort and Zalewski overcame the Shafer twins from Lakewood.

“We beat them every year, but the coach is right, we all have work to do.

I need to work more on serves and over hands because, hey, I like to win,” Comfort said.

Wheeler has found herself more calm before a match begins.

“For me, it’s all about mindset.

I feel more confident, less pressure,” she said.

Kramer added that hitting the ball off the heel and lack of ball control remain areas the team has to focus on.

“When you have control, that’s when good things happen, such as having the ball go where you want,” Kramer said.

The coach said the girls will need their “A” game today at 3:45 p.m. when Lynden comes to town.

Especially star player Newman. Last year’s 2A second place state finalist Erica Bosman will be expected to pick up her challenge of state champion Newman when she hits the high school courts.

“I’ve been playing with anyone and everyone to get as much experience as possible,” Newman said. “Serving, volleying — whatever needs to be done.”

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or sports@southwhidbey

record.com.

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