By Chris Chancellor, Port Orchard Independent

cchancellor@soundpublishing.com

There might be no greater challenge for Kailyn Skjonsby to overcome than a lack of competition.

That is one reason why South Kitsap coach Mark Myers was pleased when Central Kitsap’s Dana Jensen lined up against his senior Tuesday afternoon in the Wolves’ Class 4A Narrows League opener.

“A lot of times teams don’t play their best person against her,” he said. “It’s good for her to get this competition.”

Skjonsby, who has advanced to state the last two years, had little difficulty defeating Cougars’ junior Dana Jensen 6-0, 6-1.

But Central Kitsap coach Ken Allen, who noted that Jensen advanced to the league playoffs in 2012, thought it was a good experience for his pupil, as well.

“Dana’s getting better every year,” he said. “I think it was a great test for her. It’s great to play strong players along the way.”

Skjonsby said this was the first time she’s played against Jensen, but has watched her compete. She said the match gave her insight on aspects of her game that need improvement.

“I didn’t play great, but I worked through it,” Skjonsby said. “I need to work on my serve. It was there and then I lost it.”

Her outcome helped lead South to a 4-1 victory. Junior Emily Wilkins defeated Jillian Carlo 6-0, 6-2, at No. 2 singles.

The Cougars’ lone win came in the No. 1 doubles match as Julie Fish and Maureen Crowe defeated Samantha Barrow and Rachel Bauman 6-4, 2-6, 6-0. Despite the setback, Myers liked how that tandem performed. South’s doubles teams rotated through the nonleague portion of the schedule.

“I’m still trying to find those magic combinations, but I think we’re getting close,” he said.

Myers particularly was impressed with Barrow’s mentality on the court.

“Some people are out here for fun and some people have that killer instinct,” he said. “She’s definitely got it.”

South 4, at Central Kitsap 1

Singles-Kailyn Skjonsby (SK) d. Dana Jensen 6-0, 6-1; Emily Wilkins (SK) d. Jillian Carlo 6-0, 6-2.

Doubles-Julie Fish/Maureen Crowe (CK) d. Samantha Barrow/Rachel Bauman 6-4, 2-6, 6-0; McKenzie Henry/Venise Gomez (SK) d. Petra Sutter/Annette Mislurak 6-2, 6-3; Annie Espy/Akari Yamashita (SK) d. Roanne Taylor/Rosemary Padilla 2-6, 6-0, 6-1.