Welcoming the Gillette schools to Powell on Saturday the Panther tennis teams battled against tough competition, as the boys defeated Campbell County 4-1 but narrowly lost to Thunder Basin 3-2, and the girls lost to Campbell County 4-1 and Thunder Basin 3-2 in the first home matches of the season.

BOYS:

POWELL 4, CAMPBELL COUNTY 1

Starting off against the Camels, the Panthers had a strong performance across the board.

Starting at No. 1 singles, Nathan Preator cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Jaxon Richert.

No. 2 singles was the lone blemish for the Panthers against the Camels, as Trevion Solberg lost to Rylan Robertson 0-6, 0-6.

“Trevion has done great stepping into that role at two singles,” coach Joe Asay said. “He’s athletic and has been working on his game over the last few years. He had two big tests (Saturday).”

Powell bounced back at No. 1 doubles, as Taeson Schultz and Ryan Barrus cruised to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Abel Bruce and Leland Jenkins.

The Panthers claimed the victory at No. 2 doubles, when Isaac Stensing and Alex Watts earned a 6-1, 6-0 win against Tayten Walker and Ty Ruff.

Powell’s final win came at No. 3 doubles, as Memphis Solberg and Calvin Opps battled in a three set match to win 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 against Emmitt Kindsvogel and Eli Melinkovich.

“The two sophomore boys are doing a good job of learning to play the game and play it together,” Asay said.

THUNDER BASIN 3, POWELL 2

Heading into the second matchup the Panthers were hoping to sweep their Campbell County opposition, but the Bolts just edged out the hosts.

Preator continued his undefeated start to the year, beating Austin Youngs 6-2, 6-2.

“He (Preator) keeps making adjustments to the game depending on the opponent,” Asay said.

Another tough matchup at No. 2 singles saw Trevion Solberg drop in consecutive sets 0-6, 0-6 to Tate Moore.

At No. 1 doubles, Schultz and Barrus cruised once again to a 6-3, 6-2 victory, this time over Parker Gulley and Garrett Moore.

Thunder Basin then claimed victory at No. 2 doubles, as Stensing and Watts dropped a two set match 2-6, 5-7 to Jackson Moore and Andrew Howell.

Another long three set match came at No. 3 doubles, as Memphis Solberg and Opps lost against Trypp Bartsfield and Carter Rodgers 3-6, 6-2, 1-6.

GIRLS:

CAMPBELL COUNTY 4, POWELL 1

Starting out the day against the Camels the Panthers looked for some early momentum, but came up short against the visitors.

Naomi Whipple fell to Marianna Kotta at No. 1 singles, dropping the match 1-6, 2-6.

A long match ensued at No. 2 singles, with Sophie Czirr dropping a difficult three set match against Samantha Torres 7-5, 4-6, 2-6.

“(She’s) just trying to figure out how to string enough of the right points together. We’ve worked on some things with her on shot selection and placement,” Asay said.

At No. 1 doubles, Kyra Morrow and Anneliese Peterson came up short against Kaylie Neary and Gracie Ranum 2-6, 1-6.

The lone win for the Panthers against the Camels was at No. 2 doubles where Isabelle Urbach and Elaina Kousoulos defeated Kenall Mills and Lauren Kuhbacher 6-3, 6-1.

Another difficult match at No. 3 doubles saw Ava Stearns and Eliza Clark come up short against Kylie Groves and Yasmin Rodriguez 2-6, 2-6.

“We had Eliza step in and do a good job, she did a really good job filling in that spot,” Asay said.

THUNDER BASIN 3, POWELL 2

Turning around to face the Bolts in the afternoon the Panthers had difficult matches, with three contests going to three sets.

At No. 1 singles Whipple won the first set but dropped the second and third in a difficult match against Ellie Garcia 6-2, 4-6, 1-6.

“Regardless of the score there I think she (Whipple) has figured out the pace,” Asay said.

A similar but slightly different story followed at No. 2 singles, where Czirr dropped the first set, won the second but fell short in the third set 0-6, 6-3, 2-6.

Thunder Basin earned another win at No. 1 doubles, where Morrow and Peterson dropped a two set match to Liv Katshke and Eva Gorsuch 2-6, 0-6.

Powell got its first win at No. 2 doubles where Urbach and Kousoulos earned a straight set victory 6-3, 6-4.

“That was a good win for them,” Asay said. “Elaina and Isabelle seem to be a good match and are working together to cover the court well.”

Powell earned an additional win at No. 3 doubles, where Steans and Clark won the first and third sets against Julia Stevens and Emily Doherty 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.

JACKSON AND SHERIDAN

Powell continues its strong home run of games this week, starting with hosting Jackson at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

“They always bring a good crew of kids,” Asay said. “We will have a good test with them.”

The Panthers then take on Sheridan at 10 a.m. Saturday, before also hosting Cody next Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m.

“We’re trying to press on these kids the importance of their focus and mental preparedness,” Asay said. “It’s always easy when you’re up but we’re trying to maintain and hold that energy when we’re down.”