Panthers Tennis Push Hornets to the Wire in Season Opener
- The Insider
- Sep 6
- 2 min read
On Friday, September 5th, the Bonney Lake Panthers boys tennis team took to the courts for the first time this season, opening their year against the White River Hornets on a warm, muggy afternoon in Bonney Lake.
This fall marks a major rebuilding year for the Panthers. After graduating 12 seniors, seven of them varsity players, the lineup looks entirely different. Still, if Friday’s non-league opener was any indication, this young squad is ready to compete and give their fans plenty to cheer about.
The match came down to the final court and had no shortage of drama, but the Panthers were edged out by the Hornets, 2–3.
Singles Show Strength
In his debut at the top spot, Cameron Munsch stepped into big shoes left behind by graduated senior and three-year #1, Gavin Orozco. Nerves showed early, but Munsch quickly found his rhythm. After taking the first set 6–3, he dominated the second 6–1 to secure his first win as the Panthers’ top player.
At #2 singles, Logan Schaff showed steady play and strong finishing to notch a straight-sets victory, 6–2, 6–4, earning Bonney Lake’s second point of the afternoon.
Doubles Decide the Day
White River proved too strong in doubles. At #1, Evan Lane and William Vescio battled but fell 2–6, 1–6. The #2 duo of Nic Piton and Darin Nguyen, making their varsity debut, were outmatched in a 0–6, 0–6 loss. Still, the two walked off smiling, knowing this was only the beginning of their journey at the varsity level.
That left the outcome to the #3 doubles pairing of Adrian Nguyen and Kade Comstock. With the entire crowd gathered around Court 5, the duo split the first two sets, forcing a decisive third. The match swung back and forth with momentum shifts that had Panther fans on their feet. Ultimately, they fell short 6–4, 4–6, 1–6, sealing the Hornets’ narrow 3–2 team victory.
Signs of Promise
Despite the loss, the Panthers’ performance highlighted resilience and potential for a team in transition. With young players gaining experience and leaders stepping into new roles, Bonney Lake showed flashes of what this season could become.
The Panthers head on the road for their first league match Tuesday, September 9th, against Puyallup at 3:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and support this new-look squad as they begin SPSL play.
Final Score: White River 3, Bonney Lake 2
Comments