The sun blazed over Enumclaw on a sweltering September afternoon, where temperatures soared into the low 90s. It was a day that tested not just the physical endurance but also the mental toughness of the Bonney Lake Panthers boys tennis team as they opened their season against the Enumclaw Hornets. This non-league matchup, a tune-up for the upcoming SPSL 4A League opener, was Coach DeLapp's first test in his 25th season, marking a new chapter for the Panthers as they step up into the 4A division.
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Despite their move to the 4A ranks, the Panthers faced off against a determined 3A Hornets squad, ultimately falling 2-3 in a match that was as close as it was intense.
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Leading the charge for Bonney Lake was their #1 singles player and team captain, Gavin Orozco. Orozco looked every bit the seasoned leader as he beat his opponent, Noah Nuttle, with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory. In a performance that left no doubt about his form and fitness, Orozco set the tone for his team with his powerful baseline play and strategic shot selection, making a statement as the team captain.
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However, the match took a tough turn for the Panthers in doubles play. The #1 doubles team of Thomas Howard and Evan Lane faced off against Enumclaw’s formidable duo of King Gisa and William Stuenhel. Howard and Lane fought hard, but the Hornets’ pair proved too strong, securing a 6-2, 6-1 victory.
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One of the most thrilling moments of the day came from the Panthers’ #2 singles player, Cameron Munsch. The sophomore found himself in a deep hole after losing the first set 2-6 to Amos Hall. But Munsch dug deep, rallying to take the second set 6-3 and forcing a decisive 10-point tiebreaker. With the momentum firmly in his favor, Munsch stormed to a 10-3 victory in the tiebreaker, capping off an electrifying comeback that energized the Panthers.
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The #3 doubles team of Adam Quinto and Holden Mann also faced a tough challenge, squaring off against David Ratskol and Tallon Warren. Despite a spirited effort, the pair couldn’t overcome their summer rust, falling 2-6, 3-6.
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With the match hanging in the balance, the pressure shifted to Bonney Lake’s #2 doubles team, Jarrett Sroka and co-captain Jeremiah Mam. In a nail-biting contest, Sroka and Mam engaged in a back-and-forth battle with their Hornets counterparts. The match was a test of endurance and nerve, but in the end, the Panthers duo fell just short, losing 7-5, 7-5.
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Despite the 2-3 loss, the takeaway for Bonney Lake is overwhelmingly positive. The leadership from the team captains was evident, and the grit displayed by players like Munsch suggests that the Panthers are poised for success as they transition into 4A competition. There may have been some early-season rust, but the potential for a strong season is clear.
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As the Panthers prepare for their first SPSL 4A League match next Tuesday at home, the sting of this narrow loss will serve as fuel. The Panthers may have fallen short in Enumclaw, but their journey is just beginning—and the best is yet to come.
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Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 10th at 3:30 PM, when the Panthers return to Bonney Lake for their league opener.
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