By Christy Fitzsimmons

For the Courier-Herald

After an opening match loss to Lakes, Bonney Lake Tennis ran the table, picking up nine straight league wins to finish as co-champions of the SPSL 3A League finishing 9-1 league and 13-2 overall.

During this streak, Bonney Lake defeated last year’s champion Lakes who were unbeaten in the prior three seasons.

Wins for the Panthers came from second singles player Brody Fitzsimmons 6-0, 6-1, the third doubles team doubles Nick Scott and Colton Moroles 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 and a must have tie-breaker win from the second doubles team of  Spencer Workman and Sam Davidson, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8)

Finishing out the season Oct. 18, the Panthers had a do-or-die match against Auburn Mountainview. It was Senior Night and with a completely senior line up, Bonney Lake defeated the Lions 3-2 securing their place at the top of the league. The Panthers picked up wins at second singles from Spencer Larsen 6-3, 6-1, the first doubles team of Zac Volin and Devon Crump 6-3, 6-0, and a hard fought third doubles match with Scott and Moroles winning 7-6 (8-6) 7-5.

In local tennis action, midway through the season, Bonney Lake defeated cross town rival Sumner 5-0 and White River High School 4-1.

Last week, in League tournament play, singles player Andy Leaf finished third and doubles team Volin/Crump finished fourth to advance to the West Central Districts tournament this spring. They were also voted all-league. Workman and Davidson also fought their way to advance as the first alternate.

As an added exclamation point to an unforgettable season, the team also won the League Sportsmanship Award for the way they carried themselves throughout the season, and Coach Damon DeLapp was voted the “Coach of the Year.”

“This has been a very rewarding season,” Delapp said. “I have enjoyed each match, practice, and player. We are a solid team from the No. 1 singles all the way to the No. 3 doubles. These players have worked hard and deserve the reward for their efforts.”