By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
PORTAGE—The Allegan girls tennis team got an early look at its 2026 lineup with preseason action at the Maple Street YMCA.
The Tigers faced Division 1-ranked Portage Central as well as former Wolverine Conference rival Otsego in the multi-team event.
“The girls really battled hard against PC and showed some great energy against Otsego,” Allegan coach Damien Arthur said.
The format featured two 40-minute windows per flight against each opponent, allowing teams to rotate lineups and gain valuable early-season experience.
Allegan dropped a 7-1 decision to Portage Central, with Madison Cook and Ireland Dewey earning the Tigers’ lone win at No. 1 doubles.
Against Otsego, Allegan turned in a strong showing, winning 7-1 overall. Addy Fales (No. 1 singles), Camdyn Drozd (No. 2 singles) and Kendall Halstead (No. 3 singles) each picked up victories, while the doubles teams of Cook and Dewey (No. 1), Hanna Kievit and Taylor Fuller (No. 2), Emma Scheffler and Sophia Augustine (No. 3), and Kaylee Haas and Hailey Gauthier (No. 4) also recorded wins.
Arthur said these matches served as a strong starting point for the season.
“We’re off to a great start in the young 2026 season,” he said.
