No, there is not a misprint in the Oregon 5A state tennis program.
Fans looking for Hermiston's Richole Berger to appear in the doubles bracket will have to turn the page to the singles draw to find the three-time state doubles champion, who is going it alone this year at Tualatin Hills Tennis Center.
"Last year, she played singles all year, and then played doubles for state," said Hermiston coach and Richole's dad, Curt Berger. "In the past, it's been one of those situations where we have played doubles because we thought it was our best chance to win. It will be weird not to have (a daughter) in doubles."
The Berger sisters -- Rachel, Rebecca and Richole -- have combined to win a state doubles title the last five years, starting in 2004 when Rachel and Rebecca teamed up for the first of two titles together.
Once Rachel graduated, Rebecca teamed with Richole, then a freshman, to win two more titles. Last year, with Rebecca off to Wyoming, Richole joined up with senior Alison Hawman for her third title.
This year, Richole enters the state tournament as the IMC district champion with a 23-0 singles mark and is 110-2 in her four-year career. The UAB signee is seeded No. 4 in the draw and will open play today against Klamath Union freshman Kalen Pinkston.
"We thought Richole was the top girl and we think (No. 3 seed) Katie Edwards (of Century) is the top competition," Curt Berger said. "I think the draw puts everyone in the right spot, but you never know until they start playing. Each match will get more difficult."
Richole is in the same half of the bracket as the No. 1 seed, freshman Dandan Yu of Corvallis. The two could meet in Friday's semifinals. Richole and Edwards could only meet in the finals.
One weapon Richole will use to her advantage is the fact she is left-handed, which tends to throw opponents off their game.
"If you are left-handed and can hit the ball, that is an advantage," Curt Berger said.
The Bulldogs also will be in search of their third straight team title. Joining Richole at state is sophomore Mary Hawman in singles and the doubles team of seniors Jessica Eldrige and Hannah Wicks, which is seeded third after winning the consolation title last year.
"We have a chance to run the table," Curt Berger said of possible singles and doubles titles. "The state tournament is one of a long string of tournaments we have played in, but it is a fun one to win."
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Hermiston wrestlers Delgado, Berger win at Best of the West
Hermiston wrestlers Delgado, Berger win at Best of the West
PASCO -- Hermiston wrestler Joey Delgado won't back down from anyone on the mat, but the same can't be said about his opponents.
Delgado beat Walla Walla's Anthony Stalder on Friday to reach the finals of the Best of the West tournament at Pasco High School, then pinned Kellen Pelzel of Cen-tralia in 3:12 in the 145-pound finals.
"Really, this year kids are backing up. They don't want to wrestle me," said Delgado, a three-time Oregon state champion. "They want to keep it close. I need to keep pressure on them the whole time."
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
Has another year gone by already?
Time does seem to fly when you're watching sports, and the Mid-Columbia has certainly done it's share to fill the news cycle during 2011.
A couple of local athletes made a splash on the national stage, and all three Tri-Cities' sports franchises made a push for league championships. A few high school teams reached the pinnacle of their sport by winning state titles.
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
Has another year gone by already?
Time does seem to fly when you're watching sports, and the Mid-Columbia has certainly done it's share to fill the news cycle during 2011.
A couple of local athletes made a splash on the national stage, and all three Tri-Cities' sports franchises made a push for league championships. A few high school teams reached the pinnacle of their sport by winning state titles.
Hermiston second at Best of West duals
Hermiston second at Best of West duals
Hermiston coach Curt Berger already knew he had a good tournament team -- how can you not with the likes of Joey Delgado and nephew Tyler Berger in the lineup, as well as the last four Oregon 5A state wrestling titles.
But on a long and grinding Day 1 of the Best of the West at Pasco High, the longtime Bulldogs coach found out he has a pretty good dual team as well.
Hermiston finished runner-up in the dual portion of the Best of the West for the second consecutive season, losing 41-31 to Caldwell, Idaho, in the championship Thursday.
Andrew, Montelongo win crowns at PNW
Andrew, Montelongo win crowns at PNW
A trio of Mid-Columbia wrestlers won titles Saturday at the Pacific Northwest Classic at University High in Spokane, including two from the Tri-Cities.
Chiawana's Chris Monte-longo claimed the 106-pound crown wiht a 12-2 win over Aaron Klauder of Deer Park, concluding a strong weekend at the weight for the first time this season. Montelongo, a junior, placed sixth at 4A state last year at 103 and figures to be on a short list of favorites for the 106 title this season.
Richland senior Josh Andrew took the title at 120 with an 8-4 win over University's Keaton Vallance in the final. Andrew scored a 6-1 win in the semifinals over Chiawana's P.J. Murillo, who went on to place third.
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