Cruisers Battle Steilacoom, Then Deliver Key Wins at Bethel Tournament
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The Eatonville Cruiser girls tennis team faced a challenging road matchup Friday before bouncing back with strong performances at the Bethel High School tournament Saturday.
On Friday, April 17, the Cruisers fell to Steilacoom in league play, but several matches featured competitive rallies and steady improvement across the lineup.
At No. 1 singles, Charlotte Stumph lost 0-6, 0-6 against a top opponent, but showed moments of strong play in extended rallies. Haydin Kolowitz fell at No. 2 singles 1-6, 2-6 after struggling to handle a mix of slice shots and powerful forehands.
In doubles action, Jessie Zumwalt and Rilynne Johnson dropped a 3-6, 3-6 decision at No. 1 doubles despite staying competitive early in both sets. Isabel Volk and Emma Abston were edged in a tight three-set match at No. 2 doubles, falling 6-4, 3-6, 4-10. Toryn Amaral and Claire Bertram lost 1-6, 2-6 at No. 3 doubles.
Coach comments highlighted improved play across the board, especially in doubles, where Eatonville repeatedly put pressure on its opponent but could not close out key points. Volk and Abston were noted for strong baseline consistency and improved serving, while Amaral and Bertram showed resilience after a difficult opening set.
The Cruisers responded Saturday, April 18, at the Bethel High School tournament with several strong individual and doubles performances.
The No. 1 doubles team of Zumwalt and Johnson earned a fourth-place finish after opening with an 8-1 win before falling in the semifinals to a top-seeded team. Both players were praised for smart, controlled play, with Johnson covering the court effectively from the baseline and Zumwalt finishing points at the net.
At No. 2 doubles, Abston and Bertram opened with a win over Emerald Ridge before falling in the second round. The pair continued to show strong chemistry, with Bertram setting up points with topspin shots and Abston finishing aggressively at the net.
The team’s other doubles entry of Amaral and Chloe Williams dropped their opening match but battled in consolation play before falling 5-8 in a competitive finish.
In singles, Emory Simpson delivered one of the day’s highlights with an upset win in the opening round. Simpson, competing in her first varsity singles tournament, played steady and patient tennis to wear down her opponent and advance. She was one of only a few No. 3 seeds to win a first-round match.
Stumph earned a bye before falling to a top opponent who went on to win the tournament. Kolowitz lost her opening match but rebounded with an 8-1 win in consolation play, showing improved control and confidence.
The Cruisers now face a packed week with four matches in four days, starting Tuesday at home against Clover Park. They travel to Foss on Wednesday, play Fife on Thursday at the Jupiter Tennis Center in Edgewood, and return home Friday to host Foss.
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