The Libby Loggers boys tennis team pulled off a thrilling 4-3 victory over Columbia Falls on Saturday, May 15, showcasing resilience and teamwork that any sports enthusiast would admire. The boys' win was a highlight of the day, while the girls' team faced a tough 6-1 loss, but both sides showed flashes of brilliance worth celebrating.
On the boys' side, No. 2 singles player Zander Gassman delivered a comeback for the ages. After dropping the first set 7-5 to Pablo Perles, Gassman dug deep, rallying to take the second set 6-2 before clinching an electrifying third set 7-5. It was the kind of gritty performance that defines a true competitor.
The doubles teams were equally impressive, sweeping all three matches. At No. 1, Isaac Lamere and Blaise Erickson started strong with a 6-2 win, stumbled in a 3-6 second set against Jack Austin and Blake Perry, but roared back to win the decisive third set 6-4. The No. 2 duo of Cole Sunell and Jon Cano showed similar grit, losing the first set 6-4 to Jackson Bowlecky and Gabe Plevel before storming back with 6-3 and 7-5 wins. Meanwhile, Jaxon Huni and Elry Hall at No. 3 kept things clean with a straight-set victory (6-4, 6-4) over Asher Kirk and Javen Thomas.
For the girls, No. 4 singles player Zoey Fosgate was the standout, winning a three-set thriller 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 against Campbell LaCasse. Her ability to bounce back after dropping the second set showed real poise under pressure.
The Loggers didn't stop there. On Tuesday, they traveled to Bigfork, where the boys notched another 4-3 win over the Vikings, though they fell 6-1 to Columbia Falls in a later match. The girls had a tougher day, losing both matches 5-2. Against Bigfork, Teague Thompson won his singles match in straight sets, while the doubles teams of Lamere and Erickson, Sunell and Alex Reatz, and Dayton Hardy and Jon Cano all came through. Against Columbia Falls, the No. 3 doubles team of Thompson and Colby Iliff won in straight sets.
For the girls, Zoey Fosgate continued her hot streak with a straight-set win against the Valkyries, while Ashlyn James and Harmony Keller teamed up for a doubles win. Against Columbia Falls, No. 2 Augie Bailey won in straight sets, and Fosgate added another victory via forfeit.
Looking ahead, the Loggers host Polson at 11 a.m. Saturday for their final regular season match—a perfect chance to build momentum before the divisional tournament, which runs May 21-23 in Polson. Whether you're a fan of hard-fought singles battles or dynamic doubles play, this Libby squad is one to watch.