Falcons win one, lose one in tennis

The Falcon tennis team hosted Mount Vernon and traveled to Bellingham last week. They beat the Bulldogs 6-1, but were bested by the Red Raiders, 4-3.

“Mount Vernon appeared surprised by our emphasis on aggressive play,” noted Falcon coach Tom Kramer. “For many of the matches, they didn’t make the adjustments that were needed. They’re a young team and the inexperience was evident in some of the matches.

“Jonah and Eric played a fine match, making the most of their speed and quickness to keep Mount Vernon off balance,” he added. “Brendan and Guy turned in another solid performance. Overall the team seemed ready to play and the results showed that.”

All four singles players for South Whidbey won their matches. Riley Newman 6-0, 6-0; Van Morgen, 6-0, 6-0; Brendan Riley 6-0, 6-0 and Guy Sparkman 6-3, 6-1.

In doubles, Jonah Jolley and Eric Vanderbilt-Matthews won 6-1, 6-2 for the Falcons; Zach Comfort and Harrison Price won 6-0, 6-0, but Steve Raden and Evan Mattens lost in three sets 4-6, 7-5 and 6-7.

“We started out too slow, not aggressive enough and had too many unforced errors,” the coach noted. “Bellingham is a team that will not beat themselves and are very consistent.”

Kramer said Newman and Morgen turned in great performances in winning difficult matches.

“Zach and Harrison increased their intensity and were able to come from behind to win a tough match,” he said. “Steve and Evan played a great match in their loss against a very good team. It was their best match to date and a definite improvement over last week.”

“Bellingham was a tough loss for us, but it did indicate where we are and provided some insights on what we need to improve to be successful at district.

“It was worth the long drive north.”

Newman won 6-4, 6-0; Morgen won in three 7-6, 5-7, 6-2; Riley lost 2-6, 1-6 and Sparkman lost 4-6, 3-6.

In doubles, Jolley and Vanderbilt-Matthews lost 3-6, 2-6: Comfort and Price won 2-6, 6-3 and 6-3 while Raden and Mattens lost 6-7, 3-6.

On Monday, Sept. 28, the boys travel to Sedro-Woolley.

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