Panthers move atop Wesco North standings

Herald Staff

SNOHOMISH – Snohomish’s Tyler Christensen fought back in successive sets against Marysville-Pilchuck’s Brian Belknap for a 7-5, 7-5 singles win, helping the Panthers to a 6-1 Western Conference North Division boys tennis victory Wednesday.

Christensen, who began his competitive tennis career as a doubles player, moved up to the No. 1 singles spot this year.

“It was a good match”, Snohomish coach Dick Jansen said of Christensen’s win. “Tyler is an aggressive player with his approach shots at the net. Belknap really pushed him, but that style of play eventually wore Belknap down”.

Belknap led in both sets by a 5-4 margin before Christensen made his move.

Christensen is an even 7-7 this season with two league matches left. Jansen thinks the aggressive style of play that many of his players demonstrate when they make the transition from doubles to singles may be a factor in Christensen’s .500 record.

“It is sometimes hard to tone the players down. They are so aggressive at the net they practically get whiplash if the ball gets past them,” Jansen said.

The win keeps the Panthers atop the Wesco North standings with a 13-1 record. The Tommies fall to 4-10.

Shorewood 3, Edmonds-Woodway 2: At Edmonds-Woodway H.S., Shorewood came from two sets down to win a five-set match against Edmonds-Woodway, 11-15, 8-15, 15-12, 15-9, 15-12, in Wesco South Division play. Michele Dimitrov had 18 kills and 17 digs for Shorewood (2-2 in division, 4-5 overall), and Candra McCartney had 29 assists. Eunice Song of Edmonds-Woodway (2-2, 5-4) was a perfect 28-for-28 from the serving stripe, including two aces.

Oak Harbor 3, Monroe 0: At Monroe H.S., Oak Harbor (2-2 in division, 5-5 overall) downed the Monroe (2-2, 2-8) in straight sets, 15-4, 15-6, 15-3, in Wesco North Division play. Oak Harbor was led by the 17 assists of Valerie Hartman.

Shorecrest 3, Kamiak 2: At Shorecrest H.S., Shorecrest downed Kamiak 15-13, 13-15, 15-5, 8-15, 15-5 to win a Wesco South Division match. Kelly Herold had 35 assists, 18 digs and three service aces for Shorecrest (2-2 in division, 5-3 overall). Heather Hetzer had 40 kills and 13 blocks for Kamiak (2-2, 4-4).