The Meadowdale boys tennis team is ready to defend its Northwest District 3A title.
The Mavericks’ 7-0 victory over crosstown rival Lynnwood on Sept. 28 boosted the team’s record to 2-1 in the league and 4-6 overall.
“I think we have as good a shot as anybody in the 3A Northwest District,” said Meadowdale coach Mark Schneider. “I don’t expect it to be easy. There will be some heavy competition when we get up there.”
The Mavericks are led by No. 1 singles player Alex Casper, who has lost only one match this season so far. Brian Ngyuen is the No. 2 singles player. Teaming up this year for the first time at No. 1 doubles are Scott Bohmke and Grant Lovelle. The two lost their first match but since then are undefeated.
Some eligibility issues hurt the Mavericks early on, but with a full squad Meadowdale should be able to finish the season strong.
“We had some really close matches early in the season,” Schneider said. “We could easily be 8-2 at this point instead of 4-6. We’re a pretty solid team.”
Edmonds-Woodway improved to 2-1 in the league and 8-2 overall with a victory over Shorecrest.
After starting the season strong, junior Youngha Kim has dropped his last three matches at No. 1 singles.
“He was doing really well and he’s maybe hit a little bump in the road,” said Edmonds-Woodway coach Dan Crist. “We’ve got to get him back on track.”
Kim moved up from No. 3 singles to No. 1.
Senior Jake Lagucik is at No. 2 singles. The Warriors’ No. 1 doubles team of Ryan Warren and Ian Southcote-Want advanced to the district tournament last season and should be contenders this season. Warren and Southcote-Want upset the North’s No. 1 seed last year in the postseason.
“They’ve had a slow start,” Crist said. “But they’ve hit their stride now.”
Lynnwood is fielding a young team and is building toward the future, according to coach Jim McKinnon.
The Royals’ top singles player is Tomas Moya. This week McKinnon has moved Peter Nguyen and Justin Ansdell to doubles.
“I’m hoping to get Peter and Justin some experience in doubles so they can do well in Northwest Districts,” McKinnon said.
Unlike the Royals, Mountlake Terrace has plenty of experience with 10 seniors on the roster. Joe Kim is playing at No. 1 singles but will be switching to No. 1 doubles with partner Chris Raunio. The two advanced to districts last season.
“They’ve been playing together since their freshman year,” said Mountlake Terrace coach Alberto Ramirez. “They make a pretty good team. Last year they missed state by a hair.”
Alex Lie is at No. 2 singles. Ramirez is contemplating teaming him with Casey Lorraine for doubles.
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