Granite gains valuable experience in chilly tennis twin bill
PHILIPSBURG – The Granite Lady Prospectors faced off with a pair of foes Tuesday in Philipsburg, gaining some much needed experience as the schedule makes the turn toward the postseason.
“It was a COLD day of tennis,” said Granite Head Coach Meredith MacDonald. “With each match these girls are playing, I am seeing significant improvement. They are a tough group who will give it their all until the bitter end and I am just so proud of them.”
The Lady Prospectors started the day playing a tough Loyola team, losing 4-2. Singles players Makayla Pederson (No. 2, 8-6) and Alaina Marletto (No. 4, 8-6) were the only locals to notch a victory. Sierra Metesh played No. 1 singles while Lavinia Tenesch was at No. 3, both falling in a single pro set.
Sarah Goff moved back to doubles and teamed with Reece Pitcher to play No. 1 doubles, falling 8-2. Sadie Lilyquist and Anna Belle Locke played No. 2 doubles and lost 8-0.
“Loyola has a pretty tough number one singles and doubles,” observed MacDonald. “And while we lost to them both, the girls played some great tennis. Playing competitive teams only makes us better.”
In their second match of the day Granite faced Valley, the doubles teams stepped up to secure a victory in each of their matches. Goff and Pitcher earned a straight set 6-0, 6-1 victory at No. 1 doubles while Lilyquist and Locke did likewise at 6-2, 6-3.
Molly Ballweber subbed in for Marletto in singles play, but none of the Lady Prospectors were able to manage a win.
Granite will head to a four-team match Thursday in Whitehall featuring the hosts, Manhattan Christian and Boulder before playing in the Best of the West event Friday and Saturday in Missoula. The team then takes a week off before playing in the MHSA Divisionals in Missoula May 9-11.
