KEARNEY- The Scottsbluff boys tennis team went undefeated in the team’s four duals against Eastern Nebraska competition at the East/West Challenge in Kearney.
The Bearcats picked up wins against Omaha Skutt (3-2), Beatrice (5-0), Grand Island Central Catholic (3-2) and Kearney Catholic (3-2).
Scottsbluff was looking for a big team performance to help propel them to the State Dual Championship on Oct. 12, and the team’s showing over the weekend should be more than enough to get them there.
“This was a big day for Bearcat tennis – we needed a good showing to make the field for the State Dual Championship Invite next week,” said coach Darren Emerick. “We came into today ranked #11 in Class ‘B’ and the wins over Omaha Skutt (#6) and Grand Island Central Catholic (#2) will definitely get us invited and should ensure a good seed as well.”
The Bearcats also got solid singles performances from #1 Kian Blomstedt and #2 Oliver Carpenter, who each added four more wins to their season total.
“Singles players Kian Blomstedt and Oliver Carpenter continue to rack up wins with season records of 32-3 and 33-4 respectively,” Emerick said. “They have found their groove and all aspects of their games, from ball striking to footword, psychology, serving, and patterns of play are solid. We expect this level of play will carry them into the late rounds at the State Tournament in Lincoln in two weeks.”
Scottsbluff also added six doubles wins as well to round out their results from the weekend. Scottsbluff will head to Alliance for a dual on Thursday, Oct. 10, before heading back to Kearney for the State Dual Invite on Oct. 12.
Gering tennis also was in action in Kearney, and while they couldn’t pick up any wins in the team’s four duals, they got strong individual performances.
In doubles the Bulldogs got a pair of wins from the combination of Aidyn McDonald and Dom Mendez over Skutt and Beatrice. The pairing, which began play midseason, is now 10-7 on the year.
At #1 singles for Gering, Patrick Sauter also picked up a pair of wins over Skutt and Beatrice. Also in singles, #2 Jaedyn Morrales picked up a solid win over Kearney Catholic.
Gering tennis is back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Alliance and then will head to Lincoln the next day for State beginning on Oct. 17.
Here is a spreadsheet with the results from the entire East/West Challenge.
