BREMERTON — Janson Pederson was the lone Port Angeles boys tennis player to advance to district play after the opening rounds of the Olympic League 2A Championships.
Pederson took second in the league’s singles competition.
The senior defeated Sequim’s Matthew Richards 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals Thursday to earn a spot in the championship match against Olympic’s Tye Loan, who is ranked second in the state.
Loan defeated Pederson for the league title 6-3, 6-3.
“Janson played his best tennis of the season today and will be seeded No. 2 going into the district championships next week,” Port Angeles coach Gil Stockton said Thursday.
“It was a treat to see the players in the Olympic League elevate their games to make for great tennis these last two days.”
In Wednesday’s opening rounds, Pederson notched two straight-set victories against North Kitsap opponents winning his opening match 6-1, 6-2, and advancing to the semifinals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory.
Pederson was the only Port Angeles player to reach the second day.
In other singles play for the Roughriders on Wednesday, Kenny Soule won one of his three matches.
He fell 6-1, 6-2 to North Kitsap’s Mitch Kunold, topped Bremerton’s Josh Benson 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, and was eliminated by Bremerton’s Ruby Purificacion 6-2, 6-3.
“To see the joy on Kenny Soule’s face by winning that one match was something to behold,” Stockton said.
“He was one happy camper.”
Hayden Woods fell 6-0, 6-0 Loan on Wednesday.
Woods also lost to Klahowya’s Connor Friedel 6-3, 6-3.
“Hayden Woods, a freshman, played some of his best tennis against some pretty stiff competition, and is a far better player for it,” Stockton said.
In doubles play, Wes Duncan and Hunter Dougherty were eliminated after losing two matches.
The doubles duo of Kyler Mabrey and Tyler Nickerson also fell in straight sets.
“It cannot be overstated how important this was for the fellows that will be returning to PAHS tennis next year,” Stockton said.
“The opportunity to get match-hardened against this kind of competition is invaluable.
“They all got to witness the best tennis this league has to offer and learn from their play and defeats.
“The fellows all had a great time and are anxious to get back to tennis next year.”
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Compiled using coaches’ reports.
Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 5250 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
Sports Editor Lee Horton can be reached at 360-417-3525 or at lhorton@peninsuladailynews.com.
