Goats open post season with CTL tournament in Cashmere

CASHMERE - The Goats tennis team got off to a hot start in their post-season play over the weekend at the Caribou Trail League (CTL) Tournament in Cashmere on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13, with athletes placing in all four brackets.

• Girls singles

Freshman Emma McLaren won her opening match over Skylar Strean in straight sets to advance to the double elimination portion. However, McLaren lost her next match to Jenna Bucsko 6-4, 6-1. After rebounding with a win in her next match, McLaren lost to state veteran Aleah Kert of Cashmere before winning in her final match on Saturday to secure an alternate spot in the District Tournament.

Junior Sydney Hawkins won her opening match over Jackie Suastegui in three sets, but lost to the 2-seeded Kert in straight sets.

“Hawkins made dramatic improvements in 2017 and will be a vital contributor to the squad in 2018,” head coach Marty Rothlisberger said in his game report.

Junior Azzia MacDonald lost to Hayley Wyllson in her opening match, eliminating her from the tournament.

“Azzia had a great rookie season and we’re excited to have her tall frame back next year to crush balls at the net,” coach Rothlisberger said.

• Boys singles

Senior Bryce Robison entered the tournament entered the tournament as the 2-seed and finished that was as well after losing the championship match to CTL Player of the Year Tyler Kert from Cashmere. Robison will enter the District Tournament as a 2-seed.

Sophomore Wyatt Habich lost in straight sets to Sam Keziah from Cascade in his opening match to end his season.

“Wyatt was a key contributor to the boys undefeated season this year and due to his athleticism, has a bright future in the sport,” coach Rothlisberger said of the sophomore.

Senior Bradley Castro lost his opening match as well in straight sets to Finn Johnson from Cascade.

• Girls doubles

Sophomore Sierra Rothlisberger and junior Madison Peebles won their first match of the tournament before losing in the semi-final, forcing them to play fellow Goats Nora Hollingsworth and Abby Martin for a spot in Districts. Rothlisberger and Peebles won and advances as the 4-seed in the District Tournament.

• Boys doubles

The boys continued their dominance in the doubles field as both Chelan teams consisting of Henry Elsner and Rylan Anderson and Collin Hendricks and Micah Larson advanced to the finals for the second straight year.

Hendircks and Larson eventually pulled out the win over their teammates and will head into districts as the 1-seed. Elsner and Anderson will serve as the 2-seed.

Chelan will now look to build upon their success and send some athletes to state at the District VI Tournament on Tuesday, May 16 and Saturday, May 20 in Omak.


Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213