Raider Tennis Ties with Lakewood

The Portland girls’ tennis team faced the Vikings of Lakewood on Thursday. The teams tied 4-4.

Raider Coach Jim Niebling said after the match, “Today we battled both a senior-heavy Lakewood team and the wind. Our youth was apparent, but we were able to identify areas in which we need to improve so we are able to meet our potential. Although a tie may not be the most exciting result, matching up with one of the best Lakewood teams we've ever seen is a good sign.”

Neibling added, “The match of the day goes to freshman Kayla Weller. She was down 5-2 in the first set when she found her confidence on the court and rattled off 5 straight games to win the set. Kayla was the epitome of determination through the rest of the match, and she will likely look back on it as an important turning point in her season.” Singles No. 1 — Megan Wakley, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, def . Ainsley Ludema, PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1, 6-1

No. 2 — Erica Potter, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, def . Danielle Curtiss, PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 6-3, 6-0

No. 3 — Kayla Weller, PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, def . Chloe Makley, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, 7-5, 6-3

No. 4 — Taylor Jenks, PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, def . Mary Haskin, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 Doubles No. 1 — Rebekah Leduma-Rachel VanHouten, PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, def. Alivia Benedict-Laura Krikke,LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 6-4, 6-3

No. 2 — Samantha Weber-Riley Thelen, PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL, def. Ali Wheeler-Cheyenne Smith,LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 6-0, 6-1

No. 3 — Katie Hanson-Meghan Russell, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, def. Julia Savage-Maura Lufkin,PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL 6-4, 6-4

No. 4 — Kinzie Pierce-Megan Hollern, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, def. Emily Bigelow-Novelle Matteson,PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL 6-2, 1-6, 6-3

The girls next opponent is a league match with Lansing Catholic on Tuesday at home.