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Tennis team takes its skills to the hardwood

The Havre High tennis team had its own little version of March Madness Saturday in Cut Bank, playing inside the gym instead of outside on the regular courts.

While the matches originally began outside, snow quickly moved the teams indoors. The change of location also changed the format of the meet. In lieu of playing both singles and doubles matches, only doubles matches were played on the two indoor courts. Players who normally played singles matches paired up with other teammates to play doubles.

Of the 20 players head coach Sam Dierman took with him, nine, including seven freshmen, had never played in a varsity match. The freshmen not only handled the pressure of varsity matches, but also showed strong performances despite only having one week of practice outside. Only one of those days was a true full practice due to snow shoveling and cold temperatures, Dierman said.

"I was very, very impressed with them," Dierman said of his freshmen.

The Havre teams each played five matches against both Lewistown and Cut Bank. No team scores were kept. Dierman said Havre and Lewistown looked somewhat rough, with both teams having had little real court time. Cut Bank was tougher, being able to practice on its indoor courts.

"Considering what the first three weeks have been like and considering how we've had to practice, I was extremely impressed," Dierman said.

Against Lewistown, the boys team won three of five matches, and against Cut Bank, the boys won two of five matches. On the girls' side, the Ponies won four of five matches vs. both Cut Bank and Lewistown.

"My biggest thing was I was happy with the kids considering the circumstances they've been dealing with," Dierman said. "We need repetition. We just haven't had the time yet. I know as a coach what we need to work on. It's just is Mother Nature going to help me out?

"I'm afraid it's going to be one of those years where we're going to have to put on the gloves and stocking caps and practice in the cold weather."

Dierman also has to worry about injuries.

"My biggest goal right now is injury prevention with not being able to have regular practices," Dierman said.

The following are the results from Havre's tennis meet at the indoor courts in Cut Bank. Due to weather, the meet was moved indoors and only doubles matches were played.

Boys:

Havre vs. Lewistown

Jeremy Heninger/Cody McLain won 6-2

Kyle Baltrusch/Gary Wagner won 6-1

Mike Frey/Seth Maristuen won 6-2

Andrew McLain/Ian Spencer lost 6-4

Lucas Hamilton/Marc Mariani lost 6-1

Havre vs. Cut Bank

Jeremy Heninger/Seth Maristuen lost 6-3

Kyle Baltrusch/Gary Wagner won 6-1

Mike Frey/Jeremy Heninger won 6-5 (7-2)

Andrew McLain/Ian Spencer lost 6-5 (7-2)

Lucas Hamilton/Marc Mariani lost 6-3

Girls:

Havre vs. Lewistown

Amy McLain/Crystal Pyrak won 6-3

Mallory Cresswell/Brittne Zimmer won 6-2

Jennifer Gorder/Ryan Hamilton won 6-5 (7-3)

Erika Johnson/Casey Peterson won 6-4

Whitney Barnekoff/Kristin Evanson lost 6-3

Havre vs. Cut Bank

Amy McLain/Crystal Pyrak won 6-1

Mallory Cresswell/Brittne Zimmer won 6-1

Jennifer Gorder/Ryan Hamilton won 6-3

Erika Johnson/Casey Peterson won 6-1

Whitney Barnekoff/Kristin Evanson lost 6-4

 

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