LAKEWOOD The Lakewood girls took on South Whidbey in a league tennis match on March 26.
South Whidbey is a perennial finisher atop the league. This year, Whidbeys No. 1 singles player Lindsey Newman is a favorite to win a State title at the 2A level. Her Lakewood counterpart Katrina Wentz struggled valiantly against Newman, but could not overcome the Whidbey stars talent falling 1-6, 1-6.
I played well, but shes on a whole different level. She consistently keeps the ball low. Even though I wasnt making errors, shes tough to stop. I think she is the best player in the district, said Wentz after the match.
Lakewoods No. 2 player Karli Hesselman fared better against her opponent Natalie Wheeler winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. Both Coach Bob Walker and Hesselman were pleased with the victory.
Whidbey is always tough. We celebrate any individual win against them, said Walker.
Hesselman used an array of forehand slice shots to keep Wheeler off-balance and frustrated.
I wanted to angle everything to her backhand and make it tough for her, said Hesselman.
Both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches were close; Whidbey claimed them by persevering through tough points at the end. The Shafer twins, Jillian and Jocelyn, lost 3-6, 4-6 in a match that saw a number of impressive winners from both teams. Whidbeys play at the net from their top group of Victoria Comfort and Jen Gemkow tipped the match in their favor.
In No. 2 doubles, Courtney Prosser and Jessica Neilson won the second set 7-5 after losing 2-6 in the first. They carried that momentum into the last part of the match but Whidbey rallied and pulled off a 6-4 victory in the third set. Both Neilson and Prosser hit well, but the net game again failed Lakewood as Whidbey powered in volley winners.
On a celebratory note, Lakewood got another strong performance from No. 4 singles player Sarah Boe. Boe again trumped her counterpart Ana Weeks, winning this time 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Boe continued to impress with her stout baseline game. She choked off Weeks net rushes with forehand winners down the lines. Her victory gave Lakewood a final score of 2-5 in the overall match.
Lakewood plays again April 9 against Sedro-Woolley.