75°F
weather icon Clear

Memory of last season’s loss propels girls tennis team

Snapping a string of three consecutive Sunrise League championships last season by missing the postseason entirely, Boulder City High School senior Kyra Yamamoto is determined to use last year’s emotions toward making sure the Lady Eagles don’t slip up again.

“The end of last season was really emotional for a lot of us,” Yamamoto said. “I honestly couldn’t help but cry when the regular season was over. We experienced so much winning during my first two years that a lot of girls were crushed when we not only didn’t repeat as champions to make it four years in a row, but missed the playoffs. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I never have to feel like that again.”

Expected to be the Lady Eagles’ top returner this season, Yamamoto and her teammates will have to overcome their postseason woes without a pair of their top returners: Harley Fullmer and Natalia Fullmer, who recently moved out of the district.

“One minute they were here practicing with the team and the next they weren’t,” boy’s coach Rachelle Huxford said, while filling in for head coach Katy (nee Nash) Dorne. “The girls were really upset about the loss, not only because they were strong competitors, but because they were great teammates to the girls. It’s going to be tough because they were all a close-knit group, but Katy and I are hopeful the girls can overcome it this late in the off-season.”

Echoing coach Huxford’s comment, Yamamoto is choosing to focus on the remaining positives, rather than dwell on the loss of her two friends.

“It’s going to be really tough to play my senior year without them, but we have a few returners and a nice group of freshman to focus on,” Yamamoto said. “I’m excited for my final season.”

Of the incoming freshman, Tegan Pappas, the younger sister of boys junior player Andre Pappas, should be one of the Lady Eagles’ top singles players, along with sophomore Natalie Bowman.

“I’m really excited to start my high school career,” Pappas said. “I’ve been watching Andre for the past few years so I’m glad it’s my turn to finally play. I’m hopeful to come in and win matches earlier and contribute to my team.”

Expecting to have one of the division’s best doubles units as well, Yamamoto and senior McKena Frazier will pair together for a fourth and final year, while the duos of sophomores Heather Patterson and Kali Martin and freshmen Katelyn Fox and Sophia Morris should be the second and third starting groups.

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Hinds eyes rare four-peat on the course

The word phenom is defined as a person who is outstandingly talented or admired, especially an up-and-comer.

Lady Eagles claim state championship

Forming a budding dynasty, Boulder City High School girls tennis captured their second 3A state championship in three years, defeating Northern rival Truckee 10-5 on Oct. 24.

Eagles boys tennis break runners-up streak

The third time was the charm for Boulder City High School boys tennis who finally took down Northern Nevada rival South Tahoe to claim the 3A state championship.

Volleyball team starts postseason with win

Cruising in the first round of the 3A Southern region playoffs, Boulder City High School girls volleyball defeated Cristo Rey 3-0 on Oct. 27.

Tennis duos finish one, two in regionals

Showcasing how strong the Boulder City High School girls tennis doubles program is, the duo of Mariah Torgesen and Kendall Shamo defeated the duo of Chelsie Larson and Lyla Gunson in an all-Eagles finale in the 3A Southern region tournament on Oct. 18.

Lady Eagles volleyball looking at postseason placement

Advancing to 17-18 on the season, Boulder City High School girls volleyball picked up a pair of league victories in this past week of play.

Eagles have solid performance at regional championships

Finishing as individual regional runners-up for Boulder City High School boys’ tennis, the doubles tandem of Shane Barrow and Bennett Forney and singles competitor Logan Borg turned in solid performances this past weekend at Bishop Gorman.

Boys, girls tennis teams claim regional titles

Finishing the first step of their postseason journey, both Boulder City High School tennis programs claimed 3A southern region championships this week.

Hinds leads Lady Eagles to state crown

Repeating as 3A state champions, Boulder City High School girls golf dominated the field at Boulder Creek Golf Club on Oct. 14.

Eagles rebound with road victory, 21-20

Rebounding from defeat, Boulder City High School football leaned on their rushing attack to pull out a 21-20 victory over The Meadows on Oct. 10.