Seven Bulldogs looking to make noise at state

SANDPOINT — Led by a pair of district champion doubles teams, the Bulldogs will send three doubles teams and a singles player to the 4A state tennis tournament this weekend in Boise.

Sophomores Laney Search and Khloe Kyllonen won the district girls doubles title, scoring a surprise three-set win over Moscow in the championship after losing the first meeting of the season in straight sets.

The same pair of Moscow seniors hadn’t lost all season, and made a deep run at state last year. But so did Search, who lost in the finals as a freshman. Bulldogs head coach Kent Anderson thinks Search and Kyllonen are primed to make some noise in the draw at state.

“They have to play athletic, can’t let themselves be flat-footed,” said Anderson of the key to advancing at state. “Always be moving at the net, making the other team pay attention. If they stand flat-footed, it’s over.”

Senior Sadie Nitcy and sophomore Patrick Rockwell won the district mixed doubles title, and will head to state competing in a bracket that is traditionally loaded and tough to advance in.

Daniel Durfee and Spencer Temple will play in the boys doubles draw, which is usually rife with big hitters. The athletic pair are strong defensively, and with quick hands and sneaky offense, might have the ability to grind out some wins in the bracket.

Anderson hopes his team can handle the mental nerves that often show up at state, and to enjoy the experience.

“We want them to be relaxed. A soft grip, don’t tense up, and play to their ability, if not higher,” said Anderson. “Get one or two wins in the main draw, that’s the goal.”

Caitlyn Cole, who practiced and played with the Bulldogs all season, will represent Priest River at the 3A state tournament after finishing third at districts.

The 4A state tennis tournament is Friday and Saturday in Boise.