Sports Desk

The Dirigo girls' tennis team is off to a good start, having entered the week with 3-1 wins over Spruce Mtn., Mtn. Valley and Madison. The lone blemish was a 4-1 loss at Hall Dale.

Newcomer jr. Michelle Morrison has been getting better with her partner sr. Summer McCollough at second doubles. McCollough played in several second doubles matches in 2011 and is also steadily improving her game. They are 2-2 so far. Coral Howe and Grace Hebert, have moved up from a very successful 2011 season at #2 doubles to take over at #1 doubles.

"They continue to make adjustments,"said coach Art Chamberlin. "The demands of first doubles warrants it. After an eye opening loss at Hall Dale, they have won three straight. Ryanne Dailey is also 3-1 at #3 singles having moved up to fill the spot left open by Meri Brown's graduation. Dailey is working hard to adjust her game from doubles to singles. Dailey had a tough challenge from Taylor Dickson at Mtn. Valley in which she had to come from behind in both sets 7-5 and 7-6 (7-3).

The Cougars are blessed with two talented players for the #1 and #2 ladder positions. Addy Fuller is 4-0 , 2-0 at #1 and 2-0 at #2 . Betsy Noyes 3-1 , 1-1 at #1 and 2-0 at #2. They will continue to challenge each other for the #1 spot.

On the track front, Mountain Valley has continued to make strides with the benefit of some student-athletes who have had some surprising results. They include Alex Witas and Nate Fitzpatrick in the 300 meter hurdles and Shawn Bennett in high jump as well.

"It is always a tough event and not many athlete want to do it,"said coach JT Taylor, regarding the hurdles. "I put both these guys in it just to try and they did very well. Bennett is more of a mid-distance runner, but has consistently finished in the top two in high jump every meet."

The Falcons ability to have kids competing in multiple events always helps the team, especially in events that aren't popular, like the two mile and 300 meter hurdles. They score valuable points.

"It also helps keep the athletes loose early in the season since the weather has been less than stellar," said Taylor. "It's tough to stay warm when your waiting for an event, so the more you events you compete in the better."

The team has utilized different techniques, involving warmups of dynamic stretches (high knees, butt-kicks, carioca), which helps the athletes muscles warm up and prepare for their events. The classis static stretches are reserved for after they are all done their events and ready to heat out.

In a rivalry, Dirigo remained unbeaten by shutting out Mountain Valley, 5-0, in a boys' tennis meet. four of the five matches were decided in straight sets, the lone three setter was between Garret Carver and Devin Hamel at No. 3 singles. Hammel won the initial set 7-5, however, Carver refocused and won 6-1, 6-3.