Hockinson girls tennis players aim for postseason success as Ridgefield shows improvement from previous year

In a thrilling match-up, the Hockinson Hawks girls tennis team narrowly defeated the Ridgefield Spudders, 4-3, in their 2A Greater St. Helens League match on Wednesday, April 24. The victory came down to one set, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

Ridgefield’s top two doubles teams put up a strong fight, with Abby Vance and Ella Norman winning in the third set against Hockinson’s Sarah Deroos and Sophia Broten. Additionally, Layla Melville and Callie Curran secured a win in two sets over the Hawks’ Elsa Gunderson and Lauren Teckenberg. However, Hockinson’s top two singles players, Ashley Suva and Olivia Muller, emerged victorious in two sets each.

Hockinson head coach Krista Mikalatos praised Suva for her solid and dependable gameplay, expressing hope for several girls to advance to the postseason and possibly state championships. Mikalatos also acknowledged the strength of the league, with Columbia River High School consistently producing state-level players.

On the other side, Ridgefield’s first-year head coach Emily Persons, a Spudder graduate, reflected on the team’s progress from the bottom of the standings to a competitive position in the league. With a record 46 girls participating in the tennis program this season, including 15 volleyball players recruited by Persons, the team is gearing up for district sports competitions.

Both teams have upcoming matches, with the Spudders facing off against Hudson’s Bay High School and the Hawks scheduled to play the Columbia River Rapids. The dedication and hard work of these young athletes promise exciting matchups and fierce competition in the days ahead.