Tennis: Coupeville girls win league title

Clinching its third straight league title, the Coupeville girls tennis team defeated visiting Friday Harbor 4-1 Tuesday, April 27.

The two teams finish their three-match series Saturday, May 1, in Friday Harbor. Then the two teams hook up again for the district tournament in Coupeville Saturday, May 8.

Friday Harbor and Coupeville have the only 1A girls tennis teams in the district.

Combined with a 3-2 win over the Wolverines earlier this spring, Tuesday’s win secured the two-team league title for the Wolves.

Julia Sierra Castaño easily won the first singles match 6-1, 6-0 to remain undefeated.

Sophomore Lexi Blanchette cruised in second singles 6-0, 6-1.

The doubles teams provided the day’s most exciting matches.

In first doubles, Coupeville seniors Jessica Blanchette and Jordan Akins came back to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Coach Ken Stange said, “I would describe their mood and play in the final two sets as businesslike. They knew what they needed to do, and they simply stepped onto the court and executed their plan.”

Friday Harbor earned its only point in second doubles, as the Wolves’ Lily Doyle and Marie Hesselgrave fell 4-6, 6-3, 1-6.

In third doubles, freshmen Jessica Riddle and Amanda d’Almeida won 6-3, 7-5.

Stange said, “The match was exciting, as the team knew the league title was at stake. I've been proud of the team because each of the singles players and doubles teams have contributed match wins all season long.

“It has been a pleasure working with this great group. I'm going to miss the seniors and Julia, my exchange student.”

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.