Tides tennis benefiting from busy schedule

GH doubles its workload, will face more SPSL teams

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The Gig Harbor boys tennis team is deeper than in years past. And despite an early season loss to Bellarmine Prep, the Tides are looking to contend with the Olympia Bears for the No 2 spot in the Narrows League.

Gig Harbor beat South Kitsap 4-1 last week and was set to face the Bears after press time on Tuesday.

What differentiates this season has been the increased court time. Because of a South Puget Sound League realignment, the Tides were able to load up on non-league matches.

They will play 16 matches and finish their season with a non-league contest against the Peninsula Seahawks.

Tides head coach Kevin Davis said the increased workload will help prepare his players for the district tournament in the spring.

“So far, we’ve got what we asked for and got some good matches out of it,” Davis said. “We tried to add meat to the schedule so guys know who they are facing at districts.”

Max Jiganti, Gig Harbor’s No. 1 singles player, is the only returner who advanced to the Class 4A state tournament last year. He’s excited about improving upon his 1-2 finish at state.

“This year, I’m thinking I might not do golf to focus on tennis,” Jiganti said. “My goal is to qualify for state and do better than last year.”

Gig Harbor usually plays two days a week, but this year the Tides are playing three matches each week because of their busier schedule.

Tides senior Jeremy Hurdus, a No. 1 doubles player, said playing more gives them a chance to see different competition.

“I just want to go as far as I can and enjoy that experience,” said Hurdus, who reached the Narrows League preliminary round last year. “I’m looking forward to what we’re going to accomplish.”

Gig Harbor junior newcomer Thad Berg played junior varsity last year but has a 7-1 record since he joined the varsity squad. He said he’d like to qualify for state in singles play before he graduates from high school.

“We’re a good team this year, and we’re really deep compared to a lot of other teams,” Berg said.

Players believe the team’s depth will help in the No. 3 singles slot, as well as the No. 2 doubles position, where the talent has a tendency to dip.

With added court experience throughout the regular season, Davis hopes his team will be more prepared for postseason play but remains unsure because of the gap between fall and spring.

“The delay between league and districts, it’s always a mystery how you come back from the winter layover,” Davis said.

Tides tennis schedule

Sept. 29 at Olympia Late

Sept. 30 at Kentwood 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 vs. Mount Tahoma 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Emerald Ridge 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Auburn 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Central Kitsap 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 vs. Wilson 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 21-24 Narrows League tourney TBA

Gig Harbor boys tennis

Coaches: Head coach Kevin Davis, assistant coach Ehren Gossler

2008 division champs: Bellarmine Prep

Key losses: Andrew Anderson, John Henderson, Jens Brynestad, Eric Gruver

Key returners: Max Jiganti, Connor Morningstar, Jeremy Hurdus

Newcomers: Thad Berg, Jasper Vaughn, James Paly, Ryan Anderson, Dirk Beck

Biggest upside: Depth

Captains:Max Jiganti, Jeremy Hurdus, Mike Junge

Coach prediction: Top three in Narrows League

Teams to watch: Bellarmine, Olympia, South Kitsap

Biggest matches: Bellarmine, Olympia, South Kitsap