Sandpoint High School’s tennis team made a strong showing at the 77th annual Inland Empire Tournament, with freshman Pepper Rickert leading the way as the No. 1 girls singles grand champion. Rickert dominated her opponents, winning four out of five matches without dropping a single game. Her impressive performance not only secured her the title but also earned her the top ranking among all tennis players in Idaho.
In addition to Rickert’s success, other Sandpoint players also excelled at the tournament. Aubrey Knowles and Sydney Webb took second place in the No. 1 girls doubles consolation bracket, while Ethan Ballard and Nathan Duke claimed third in the No. 1 boys doubles consolation bracket. Elly Tutin and Colby Dyk tied for third in the No. 2 mixed doubles consolation bracket.
Overall, Sandpoint finished eighth out of 57 schools, with a total of 860 athletes competing in the tournament. The team’s strong performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication on the court.
Looking ahead, Sandpoint will be hosting Lake City in their next match, where they will aim to build on their success at the Inland Empire Tournament. With Rickert leading the way and the rest of the team showing their competitive spirit, the Bulldogs are poised for more victories in the upcoming season.