Tennis teams open strongly

With high hopes looming for the girls and boys Boulder City tennis programs, Tuesdays matchup with league opponent Del Sol was a solid indication of positive things to come.

Behind a strong singles attack, the girls were able to dominate the Dragons 13-2 on the day, while the boys, through a strong effort, were able to hold up the Dragons 12-6 to both claim season-opening victories.

"There are some things we still need to work on, which we will attack in practices," Boulder City girls tennis head coach Katy Nash said. "Overall I'm happy with the play today. Doubles teams were communicating and attacking at the net, while single players were finding open shots and knew where they wanted to place the ball. We will work more this week on how to get those shots placed accurately and be ready to play on Thursday."

For the girls, the Lady Eagles were able to come away with a convincing victory, despite not being able to play double sets because of low participation numbers on the Del Sol roster.

Junior Harley Fullmer was a perfect 2-0 during her pair of sets against the Dragons, while junior Natalia Fullme and freshman Natalie Bowman each finished 1-1 on the day.

"The girls played hard and kept their games solid for the wins," Nash added. "I'm proud of their hard work and it showing on the courts."

For the boys, the Eagles provided a great effort Tuesday considering they lost last season's matchup with the Dragon 12-6 during their 2-7 2014-2015 campaign.

"This is a good start to our season," Nash added. "The boys fought hard today and had a couple sets that went to tie breakers. Happy with how the boys played today and their quick feet on the courts. I am pleased with their game play and expect more great games from them."

In singles competition, sophomores Andre Pappas, Sam O'berto and Pedro Velarde led the way for the Eagles. Pappas, a key returner from last season finished 3-0 on the day, while newcomer O'berto finished the day 2-1. Velarde, a foreign exchange student from Spain, ended the day 1-2.

In doubles competition, the teams of freshman Noah Calvert and senior Aidan Schofield and freshman Leaf Kaboli and sophomore Adam Clary both won their sets today against Del Sol, while the team of freshman Chandler Larson and sophomore Garrett Leavitt finished the outing 1-1.

Girls golf

Opening their season on a high note, the Boulder City girls golf program finished first in their Sunrise League match Tuesday at the Chimera Golf Club at Tuscany.

Despite hot and breezy conditions, the Lady Eagles behind sophomore Lani Potter, junior Lauryn Norris and freshman Madisan Walker had three girls shoot under 58 during the front nine to continue match play.

"The girls played great today," Boulder City head coach Andrew Schaper said. "I am very proud of our team's overall performance. They all showed great determination playing through the elements. It was hot and uncomfortable out there today, but they made a step in the right direction in our goal to make it to the state tournament as a team."

Featuring the most girls to make the nine hole cut on the day, Potter finished the outing with the day's best individual score of 76, good for 4 over 72 par. Her score on the day, also tied her career high set last year.

"Since last year, Lani has had the low round in every D-IA Sunrise match she has played in," Schaper said. "She has put in a ton of work in the off-season, which showed in her first match. I am excited to see Lani's progression this year."

Tied for fifth on the day, each with a score of 114, Norris and Walker gave the Lady Eagles three of the top six golfers on the day, to best Southeast Career and Technical Academy's effort of two top four golfers.

Providing solid efforts as well Tuesday, newcomers junior Holly Piper and freshman Ryann Reese narrowly missed the open-round cut with scores in the mid-60s.

"Holly and Ryann did exceptionally well considering they start playing golf in mid-July," Schaper added. "It is our goal to have all five girls make the nine hole cut in the upcoming matches."

With an opening season victory behind them, the Eagles will now focus their attention toward next Wednesday's Sunrise League match at Boulder City Municipal Golf Course.

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.