Pups Zero In On Third Title Van Gemert Comeback Sparks G-Prep

Lisa Van Gemert’s forehand gave her fits all last week.

And she lost twice for her first setbacks of the season.

So Gonzaga Prep’s top girls singles player wasn’t sure what her weapon would do in Tuesday’s tennis showdown with Shadle Park in a battle of the Greater Spokane League’s two unbeaten teams.

It took about nine games, but Van Gemert found her rhythm and overcame a 5-3 first-set deficit to defeat Highlanders junior Lisa Trefts 7-5, 6-3 and help the Bullpups claim a 5-2 team victory on a cold and windy day at Mission Park.

Prep improved to 7-0 and looks to win its third straight GSL title. The Bullpups’ remaining league matches are with Rogers and University.

Van Gemert (5-2) broke Trefts’ serve for 5-5 in the first set and again for 7-5. She trailed 5-3 in the opening set before winning eight games in a row. She attacked Trefts’ backhand in the second set with her cross-court forehand.

“I think she turned it up when she made that comeback in the first set,” said Shadle’s first-year coach, Jaime McManus. “She was on fire and had great shot selection and aggressiveness.”

With the wind, Van Gemert said she tried to keep the ball low and use plenty of topspin.

“It’s my big power shot,” the junior said. “I was nervous coming into the match. In tennis, shots click on and off. I was glad it clicked in the first set. Losing the first set is tough.”

Van Gemert missed her chance to play Trefts (5-2) last season when she pulled an abdominal muscle five days before the match.

Prep freshman Marie Carroll won her first set in a tiebreaker in No. 2 singles against sophomore Lindsay Scribner, but dominated the second set 6-1.

Bullpups coach Donna Lenseigne was pleased with her team’s effort.

“I told everybody just to focus on their own court and to play determined, play strong and do their best,” she said. “That’s all I can ask.”

Shadle’s two wins were three-setters.

Senior Lisa Liddell and sophomore Whitney Persch improved their season record to 5-1 with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 victory at No. 1 doubles and sophomore Lesley Liddell came back from a set down to win her No. 3 singles match 6-7 (7-1), 6-1, 6-0.

“I’m very happy with the scores in all our games,” said McManus, whose team is 6-1 with matches against Ferris and Lewis and Clark left. “We’re a young team and I hope the rivalry with Gonzaga continues. It’s good for the GSL. A match like this gives you your lesson plan.”