Philomath High sophomore Bailey Bell wouldn’t mind a little more competition on the tennis court. In her first five matches of the season, the results have all been the same — 6-0, 6-0.
Not one set allowed by any opponent.
Estacada’s Gracie Jossi was Bell’s latest victim on Thursday in a home match for the Warriors, which Philomath won 8-0 to open league play on a high note. The team had been scheduled to play Tuesday at Madras but challenging road conditions led to a cancellation.
Without being pushed much in these first matches — and the time will come as Philomath goes up against tougher competition — Bell is working on improving her own game.
“I’m working on still being consistent but going for some more shots and coming to the net and trying to finish points earlier,” she said. “Take advantage of things better than I was last year.”
Bell reached the championship match of the Class 4A State Showcase last season as a freshman but had to settle for runner-up. One area of improvement that has turned into more of a strength is serving.
“Overall, I think this year my serve has gotten more consistent … I’ve been working on that,” Bell said. “That’s helped me out a lot.”
Elsewhere in singles matches Thursday against Estacada, freshman Adele Beckstead defeated Ana Garcia Munoz, 6-3, 6-4. Sophomore Daniella Carlisle had the closest match of the day in a 6-4, 1-6, 10-5 victory over Maria Portillo de Mueller.
PHS was awarded a forfeit win at No. 4 singles.
In doubles, senior K Bacho and junior Phoebe Dodson teamed up to take care of their opponents, 6-0, 6-1, in the No. 1 position. Sophomores Nadia Durski and Lorelei Schell were straight set winners as well at 6-1, 6-2. Sophomore Elise Reese and freshman Heidi Bacho continued the trend with a No. 3 doubles win, 6-1, 6-0.
The Warriors won at No. 4 doubles on a forfeit.
Philomath’s schedule shows the next competition as Monday at home against Class 5A South Albany.
