Koetje takes fifth in state tennis tourney
By JOHN GALBREATH Sports Editor
PHOTO BY JOHN GALBREATH Senior tennis player Kyle Koetje took fifth place in the 4A state tennis tournament at Kennewick last week. After reaching the semi-finals in the Class 4A Boys' State Tennis Tournament, Stanwood High's Kyle Koetje lost 6-2 and 6-0 to Kentwood's Max Manthou, a three-time state champ, and then was upset by Richland Bomber Troy Zuroske 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 to earn fifth place in this, his senior year.
Koetje fought hard during first round play with Ethan Vaughn of Mead before prevailing 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-3, but then scored identical 6-2 sets over Todd Beamer's Joseph de la Cruz to win easily during the quarterfinals.
"Both players (referring to both Koetje and Stanwood's Megan LaLone, who took fourth among 4A girls) were amazing to watch. The level of play was so high," said their coach Trudy Abrams. "Kyle and Megan have worked hard and put in a lot of practice hours to accomplish their goals. They didn't just want to get to state they wanted to place at state and they did!"
"I'm not sure, but this may be the highest any boy and girl singles players have placed at state from Stanwood," she added.
Sports Editor John Galbreath: sports@scnews.com.
