Xavier Roepcke and Kayla Haukaas took advantage of home court to clinch the Penticton Racquet and Fitness Club’s (PRFC) youth squash tournament.
Adam Terheege of the PRFC said the tournament was strong, especially having players from Revelstoke, Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton.
“It’s great for them to get together and all play different players,” said Terheege. “It’s good for them to play new people and develop their game.”
Roepcke, who began playing eight months ago, said it felt good to win in just his second tournament.
“It’s a really good confidence booster,” said Roepcke, 13, who won the first flight 3-0. “They were really tough. I was always learning new things about my own play and their play. I could sort of play around that. I feel like I performed pretty well.”
Roepcke added that he now knows his boundaries and where his confidence is with his shots.
“I can just build on that,” said Roepcke, who has been chosen for an Interior team and the chance to train with Team B.C.
Julia and Sophie Dorrius made the three-hour drive from Revelstoke and hoped their presence would encourage more youth to get involved. While Sophie still faced players from her own club, she found the tournament to be challenging and fun, as did her sister.
“I think I played pretty well,” said Julia.
Haukaas won 3-0 against Penticton’s Maria Iannone.
Terheege said matches were competitive among the 21 players and a few were down to the wire. It was the first tournament organized by the club, which is seeing growth in the sport. Starting on Wednesday, the club will begin its championship, which will be played throughout the month.
There will be an A and B event for men and a ladies event.
Tergeege said there will be 25 players of different skill levels competing.
