Prairie’s Elsa Bice and Mountain View’s Addie Simonsmeier are tennis friends so of course they shared post-match photos after having to play each other for the 3A district singles title.
It was Bice who came out on top Saturday afternoon at Club Green Meadows, 6-2, 6-3, but you wouldn’t know that seeing them pose together for pictures with big smiles for friends and family.
“We are both going to bi-district, so we just went out to have fun,” Bice said.
Bice found her game in the second set, hitting more winners on her way to the title heading into the bi-district tournament next week in Kent.
“Bi-district is just the next step,” Bice said. “It’s challenging, but I’m still able to play and compete so I’m just looking forward to going there.”
She reached the 3A state tennis tournament out of bi-district last year, but was a one-and-done player.
This year, the goal is to return to state and try to “at least win one,” she said.
Kelso’s Leah McReary also earned a singles spot to bi-district by finishing third.
Mountain View’s Lexi Frost and Brynn DeSantis topped fellow Thunder players Bethany Pham and Siena Low 6-4, 6-2 in the doubles final. Both teams will compete at the bi-district tournament.
“It was a rocky match,” Frost said of the district final. “Played it a bit safe.”
Mountain View showed its depth to the tune of 26 points to win the team title. Kelso was second with 17 followed by Prairie, Evergreen and Heritage.
Like Bice, Frost and DeSantis qualified for 3A state last year at Vancouver Tennis Center, but came away without a victory. They do have their sights on returning.
“We will try our best. We know who’s coming back,” Frost said.
The 3A state tournament for boys and girls will again be played at Vancouver Tennis Center this year on May 24-25.
