Blue Ponies see continued improvement at Elks Invitational

It was yet another big weekend for the Havre High boys and girls tennis teams. With the postseason inching closer, the Blue Ponies used the Elk's Invitational in Glendive to keep improving.

And that's just what Havre did Friday and Saturday in Glendive.

On Friday, the Blue Pony boys went 1-2 in dual action, falling to both Billings Central and Miles City 4-2, while beating Lewistown 5-0. Carter Spangler led the way for the Ponies going a perfect 3-0 at No. 1 singles. On the girls side, the Ponies knocked off rival Lewistown 4-2, then dominated Glendive 5-1 before falling to Miles City 5-1. Rayna Johnson had a strong first day at No. 1 singles for HHS, while the doubles team of Cat Kaftan and Courtney Burchard did the same, including getting a big win over the top team from Miles City.

The Pony girls returned Saturday to beat Billings Central 4-2 in the morning, but then they had a rough finish, falling to both Miles City and Hardin 6-0. Amaya Bliwernitz got a key win for the Ponies against Billings Central, as did Lindsey Leinwand and McKenna Caplette in doubles.

In boys action Saturday, Havre tied Glendive 3-3 with Max Spangler and Jackson Headress getting a good win at No. 2 doubles. Havre also tied Hardin 3-3 and fell to Miles City 4-2 to end the tournament.

And while there were ups and downs for the Ponies on both sides, Havre head coach Jeff Miller was excited for how his teams did, and where they're headed as the Ponies travel to Billings next weekend for the Mayfair Invitational.

"Overall, I thought both the boys and girls teams played really well this weekend," Miller said. "We got to see a lot of very strong competition which showed us what needs to be worked on moving forward. Everyone came out in each match ready to compete and that's what we are looking for right now."

Havre will play three duals Friday and three more Saturday at the Mayfair Invitational, hosted by Billings Central.