Carter helps Bulldogs take down Moscow

MOSCOW — Despite playing without their top four girls players, the Bulldogs notched an impressive 7-5 win over Moscow Saturday in Inland Empire League tennis action at Moscow High School.

Meranda Carter stepped into No. 1 girls singles and notched a solid 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 win, helping offset the spring break absence of Piper Wahlin, Sophia Meulenberg, Susan Williams and Mica Wolcott.

“Meranda had a war at No. 1 and won. When she started getting tired she started moving her feet and had more athleticism,” said Bulldogs head coach Kent Anderson, who had high praise for a number of girls in new varsity roles. “Against Coeur d’Alene the guys came through and dominated, and this time, it was the girls.”

Dannette Mauck lost 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 at No. 2 girls singles and Michelle Rockwell won 6-2, 6-2 to round out the singles.

Azumi Smith and Kyenna Jensen won 6-0, 6-3 to claim their first varsity win at No. 1 doubles, and Rachel Mulgrew and Nicollette Jessen came up from JV to win 6-3, 6-4 at No. 2 doubles. The two wins were pivotal for the team title.

Mikka Nostdahl and Kevin Kirby each notched decisive straight set wins at No. 1 and 2 singles to lead the boys team, and Adam Durfee fell 7-5, 6-3 to round out the singles.

Ben Hardy and Carson Nygren teamed up for a 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 1 doubles, and Steven Gavin and Drew Buckmiller lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 at No. 2 boys doubles.

Crystal Clark and Kane W. fell in straight sets at No. 1 mixed, and Brittany Claffey and Kevin Bucalo fell in No. 2 mixed, rounding out a solid win.

The Bulldogs face Coeur d’ Alene today at 2 p.m. at Travers Park, in a showdown of two of the top teams in North Idaho.