Winner of eight of 10 matches so far this season, Philomath High’s Sawyer Ainsworth depends on his serve to keep opponents on their heels.
“I can win multiple matches just on my serve alone,” Ainsworth said after defeating Cascade’s Evan Wang, 6-0, 6-2, Thursday afternoon. “If I get those first serves in, I can pretty much win any match.”
And if the serve isn’t getting it done entirely? Ainsworth said he just needs to keep a cool head.
“If I get a little ahead, I can do pretty well but if I’m upset or mad at myself, then my game starts to decline. If I just stay positive, I can do really well,” Ainsworth said, adding that he tends to hit his racquet against his leg and bruise it when he’s upset.
Philomath posted an 8-2 win as a team over the Cougars in a match on the PHS courts. The Warriors swept the four singles matches with Andrew Leonard (6-4, 6-1), Jackson Rice (6-3, 6-1) and Owen Thomas (6-1, 6-0) joining Ainsworth as winners. Philomath also won at No. 1 and No. 2 singles with Gradin Fairbanks and Johnny Pickett (7-6, 6-4) and Osvaldo Garcia-Bazan and Jackson Holroyd (6-1, 6-1).
One of six seniors on this year’s boys tennis roster, Ainsworth is hoping to make some noise at districts, which is scheduled for May 13 and May 16-17).
“Last year I was playing doubles and was a set away from going to state so definitely this year my goal is to make it to state and see how it goes from there,” he said. “I’ve been playing pretty solid. I’m happy with my wins and my losses — both of them were pretty close. So I feel like I’m playing well so far.”
Ainsworth has been playing tennis since he was a sophomore.
“I like the individual sport aspect of it … being out there on my own,” he said. “And I like improving — it helps me really focus my energy … and work towards something.”
Philomath improved to 3-1 in district play and is now 9-2 overall. The team heads to the Oregon Episcopal Invitational on Saturday.
