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North Medford girls set for big test By KRIS HENRY With state seeding so vital for his team's chances at a girls tennis title, North Medford coach Dale Jensen considers today a great opportunity for his undefeated squad. "I think this weekend will determine a lot of the seeding for state," says Jensen. "This tournament is sort of like a state tournament. There are going to be a lot of girls and a lot of activity (today), so this should act as a real big gear-up for us." Jesuit had its string of six straight Class 4A state titles snapped last year by Lakeridge, while South Eugene has been well-represented at the state meet over that same span and Ashland continually boasts a strong team. North has more than held its own during Jensen's tenure at the state tournament, falling short of the championship in part because of tough losses along the way to players from Jesuit and Lakeridge. "They've kind of been a thorn in our side," he says. The Black Tornado may have a streak of 41 straight dual-meet victories and three straight district titles in hand, but Jensen finds little solace in those marks these days. "I would trade it all in right now for a state title," says the coach. "That's always been our goal." That goal may be more attainable than ever considering North's imposing lineup of Jenny Brown at No. 1 singles and the team of Annie Chaney and Leslie Schultz at No. 1 doubles. All three have state tournament experience in singles, with Brown advancing to the semifinals last year and quarterfinals two years ago. "The talent we have and the way they're looking right now, we're as strong as any team in the state," says Jensen. "We've got a real good possibility this year for that title." That potential won't mean much if the Tornado isn't able to make strides this weekend in preparation for the district tourney May 10 and 12 in Ashland and the state meet May 17-19 in Beaverton. "Right now we need to be pushed," says Jensen. "That's what gets the best out of you." Schultz and Chaney were pushed Thursday, dropping a doubles match against Roseburg's Becky Correll and Elisa Tryon in a third-set tiebreaker. Jensen says he isn't concerned about the loss by his top doubles team. In fact, the coach sounds almost relieved that it happened. "It was a little wake-up call for them," he says, adding that Tryon and Correll should earn a top-four seed at state. "I think (today) will be a good test for them, too." With mainly singles experience, Schultz and Chaney have struggled at times in doubles. "We're playing a lot like singles players, but I think we're getting better," says Schultz. "Sometimes we either both go after a shot or neither of us go after it because we think the other one is going to get it." That type of play is typical for players used to playing singles. Jensen is trying to cure it as they make their run at a doubles title. "The key to doubles is setting your partner up so that they look good," he says. "If you set your partner up, then you've done what you have to do. It's not about trying to get all the winners by yourself." Despite having to revamp their playing style, Schultz says the move to doubles for her and Chaney is worth it if it will help North to a possible state title. "As far as state goes, it's more open at doubles than singles, and we want to go as far as we can at state," says the senior. "We want that state title." Ashland's No. 1 doubles team of Jenny Spears and Jessica Baker hope to have a say in the state race as well. Spears teamed with Chelsea Johnson last year and made it to the consolation quarterfinals. Today's action could be key as well for Brown - who is a junior at St. Mary's but plays for North. She has only a handful of matches under her belt this season, and most have been cakewalks for the national tournament-tested standout. Brown has only lost four games in her matches this year. "She's sort of getting a little lazy out there," says Jensen. "It's all been coming too easy. But when you get to state and are starting to play the top eight girls in the state, you just can't let a lapse of concentration go by." North's No. 2 doubles tandem of Shannon Leever and April Louie could also be a factor at state. "I'm really impressed with them," says Jensen. "They have just been playing great tennis and are playing as a team almost better than my No. 1 team." Jensen says he hopes Leever and Louie, as well as singles players Tabitha Grytness and Kendra Ira, will be able to fine-tune their attack against today's challengers. "The more matches you play in these types of situations, the better you get," he says. "It would be nice to win (the invitational), but winning is not important at this point. What we're trying to do is get set up for state." And if all goes well, that first step will be taken today. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.