Flathead tennis hosts three Missoula schools

The Daily Inter Lake

The Flathead Invitational Tennis Tournament kicks off this morning at 9. The boys doubles matches will take place at the Linderman courts. All the other action is at the FVCC courts.

This year the three Missoula schools - Hellgate, Sentinel and Big Sky - will visit for the divisional-style event. Players will compete in 16-person brackets.

"We're using this as a test to see how well we'll be prepared to go up against the Great Falls schools at the divisional meet," Flathead coach Buck Measure said. "This will be a good gauge for us."

The girls singles title looks to be wide open with Hellgate's Margo Lenz not competing this weekend. Lenz is one of the top six AA girls and would have been the favorite for a title.

"It will be very open now," Measure said. "It could go any way."

Missoula Sentinel's boys team is deep this year, and looks to have numerous netters run deep into the bracket.

Measure said his athletes are looking forward to the home meet.

"For a few of them, this will be their last home matches before divisionals," he said. "For others, it will be their first big tournament at home. The weather should be good, and it should be an exciting tournament."