The Orangefield Bobcat Varsity Tennis team was back in action Friday as they traveled to Beaumont to compete in the Kountze Tournament, similar to their junior varsity counterparts. The varsity Bobcats had themselves a day, with all 12 players earning wins. Orangefield had three girls earn medals, while all six members of the boys team medaled as well.
Emily Szakmeister and Bri Thibodeaux picked up early wins in girls’ singles, while teammate Izzy Mills advanced all the way to the semifinals.
Reese Dearing and Gunnar Griffin dropped their first match before knocking off several opponents on their way to a consolation win.
Zoey Harvey and Ella Sanders dispatched several opponents, advancing all the way to the finals before being knocked off by a tough team from Port Neches-Groves.
The mixed-doubles duo of Dak Sims and Kinley Vacek won their first two matches and battled back in an epic win versus district foe Anahuac before dropping their final match in the finals, finishing in second place.
The newly formed boys’ doubles team of Brycen Amy and Cooper Dorman faced tough competition, but managed to knock off all opponents en route to a first-place finish over Port Neches-Groves.
The last match of the day was a district showdown between junior Cane Ritchey and senior Ulises Fraire. These two are no strangers to one another, as they’ve matched up a few times over the course of their high school tennis careers. Ulises is the most decorated returning player in the district, having advanced to state last year in doubles, but in their first singles matchup of the season, Cane earned his second victory of the year in straight sets over a respected rival.
The Cats had a tremendous day and are looking forward to being back in action on Friday the 13th at the Lamar Tournament.
Social Media