The Minot High School boys tennis team beat Williston 9-0 Tuesday at Magic City Campus - the Magicians' second shutout in two dual matches this season.
The unblemished score was in jeopardy in the final match of the day as Williston's No. 2 doubles team of Travis Kuhn and Chase Olson won the second set to force a 10-point super-tiebreaker against MHS seniors Landon Klein and Lane Vendsel.
After falling behind 1-0 in the tiebreaker, Vendsel and Klein rattled of seven consecutive points to cap their 6-3, 5-7, 10-3 victory.
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Daniel Allar/MDN
Minot High School sophomore Dustin Foster slices a forehand during the Magicians’ 9-0 win against Williston on Tuesday at Magic City Campus.
That was the lone competitive match of the day as the Magicians' cruised to straight-set wins at the other eight spots.
Coach Scott DeLorme said the match experience is valuable for his team even in blowouts.
"I think it helps all of our guys out, even if they win 6-1, 6-2 or something like that," DeLorme said. "You can't simulate a match in practice. You can hit lots of balls and balls and balls, but to come out and play a match, win or lose, it's great for everybody early in the season."
The Magi dominated at the six singles positions, as no Williston player won more than five games.
"There's definitely room for improvement, but I thought our singles players did an excellent job of really getting leads early and they were able to keep those leads throughout the match and close 'em out," DeLorme said. "Any time you can win in straight sets, we're pleased."
Senior Hunter Oothoudt, who plays No. 1 singles and doubles for the Magicians, said the team is confident early in the season.
"I think our team's deep," he said. "When we need a match, any guy can pull it off for us and do the job."
The Magicians host Bismarck Century at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at Magic City Campus. With MHS facing the Bismarck schools and some of the top teams in the East Region in September, the Magi's run of 9-0 wins will likely end soon.
But sophomore Dustin Foster, who picked up wins at No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles Tuesday, said Minot feels like it can compete with the state's best.
"We are definitely getting stronger as the season goes along and I think we'll be in contention for a state title this year," he said.