It was a first for the Blue Devils of Corvallis at the State Class A tennis tournament. The girls’ team brought home their first state championship ever. Leading the way for the Blue Devils was the doubles team of Sydney Madruga and Megan Lengyel who battled back from a deficit to take the championship. The duo had not been defeated all season according to coach Mike Fehr and they were not about to give up in the final match. Madruga and Lengyel defeated Snowy Johnson and Alice Cai of Havre, 7-6 (4), 6-3. Sophomore sensation Laramie finished third for the Blue Devils.
“Everyone that went to state contributed points,” said Fehr. “It was a team effort.”
Bridger Walczynski of Corvallis also made history, or so the coaches think. Walczynski won his fourth state championship in the boys’ doubles, with his third partner over the four years. Coach Chris Maul-Smith couldn’t think of anyone in the state that had accomplished that feat. Walczynski and DJ Pekoc, his partner from last year also, brought home the gold after defeating John Kinsely and Harrison Fagg of Billings Central, 6-4, 6-0.
“It has to be a partnership out there,” said Maul-Smith. “Bridger is real gracious and a real team player.”
Alma Powell finished fifth for the boys in the singles.