Liberty Bell High School junior Ruthann Matteson battled throughout a long, exhausting day at the state 1B/2B/1A tennis tournament last weekend in Yakima, but eventually was eliminated after two losses.
In the first round, Matteson lost a heartbreaker to Lauren Senske of St. George’s, 7-6, 4-6, 5-7. The match extended over three hours, Liberty Bell coach Dave Schulz said.
“She played well, and was up 5-4 in third set, but just ran out of steam,” Schulz said. Matteson did a good job handling Senske’s hard serves, the coach added.
In the loser’s bracket, Matteson fell to Gabby Pratt of Bush, 4-6, 4-6 in another demanding match that lasted more than two hours.
Matteson advanced to the tournament after finishing third in girls’ singles in district play.
Matteson was honored as girls’ Player of the Year, and was named to the All-League first team, in girls singles for the CWB 1B/2B league. Liberty Bell’s Logan Butler earned an honorable mention in girls’ singles.
Liberty Bell finished second in league play behind Tonasket.
There will be team awards ceremony and dessert in the Liberty Bell cafeteria on Friday (June 1) at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
