>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

NATE THE GREAT: Nathaniel Oveson swats a backhander Tuesday. - The Observer/BRUCE MASON

She tried to spoil the fun, again, bringing in chilly weather and cloudy skies, but La Grande and Pendleton battled it out on the tennis courts Tuesday, ending just before rain fell onto the surface. 

Parents bundled up in winter coats, hats and blankets, watching varsity players swat neon tennis balls back and forth, back and forth.

Perhaps the biggest gathering was behind the court where Tigers No. 1 doubles tandem Josi Lyman and Kara Gerst won 6-4, 6-4.

They’re perfect through six.

And they have company, too.

No. 2 doubles tandem Maggie Yeates and Alix Miles maintained perfection too, winning 6-3, 6-4, improving to 6-0, as well.

But despite the efforts of these doubles tandems, the La Grande girls fell to Pendleton, 3-2. 

So did the boys, as they lost, 3-2, as well, although it was a good day for Erich Mielke and Mike Baxter.

This No. 2 doubles tandem came back to win their match, 6-4, 7-5.  And No. 1 singles player Nathaniel Oveson defeated Grant Zimmerman, battling to the finish line with a 7-6 (16-14 tiebreak), 6-4 match-win. 

Here was Oveson, charging the net, slicing at the ball like an axe through wood, then watching it die before his opponent could catch up. 

Point.

Here he was again, raising his arm then accelerating downward, contacting it, striking it, over the net.

Another point.

And soon enough, he strolled down the sidewalk, down the steps, and left as a match winner.

“I think that was one where he had to gut it out with mind and body,” La Grande coach Mike Schireman said.

“And he definitely did it.”

La Grande will host Baker on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Girls results

Singles

1. J. Beamer def. Kayla Wilson, 6-4, 6-0.

2. S. Vogler def. Kelsey Mitchell, 6-4, 6-4. 

3. J.Short def. Laura Siltanen, 6-0, 6-4.

Doubles

1. Kara Gerst/JosiLyman def. Hartley-Wallace, 6-4, 6-4

2. Maggie Yeates/Alix Miles def. Jerome/Winter, 6-3, 6-4. 

Boys results

Singles

1. Nathaniel Oveson def. Grant Zimmerman, 7-6 (16-14), 6-4.

2. E. Holdman def. Brad Townsend, 6-1, 6-2.

3. J.Oehler def. Daniel Yeates, 6-0, 6-0. 

Doubles

1. Britton-Peterson def. Griff Schireman-Richard Mills, 6-0, 7-5.

2. Erich Mielke-Mike Baxter def. Holdman-Stubblefield, 6-4, 7-5