AAA Tennis -- Walter, Chang Win Singles Titles

LAKEWOOD - Defending champion Jesse Walter of Eisenhower High School of Yakima returned service brilliantly yesterday to beat powerful Eric Drew of Woodinville for the Class AAA boys tennis title.

Walter, playing in knee-length black shorts, prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a well-played match that enabled Eisenhower to win its second straight team title.

Wendy Chang of Bellevue High School won the girls title in a rematch of the KingCo championship by beating Sammamish sophomore Peggy Wu 6-0, 6-4. Chang trailed 4-3 in the second set before retaking command.

The victory, coupled with Katie Huguenin's fourth-place finish, gave Bellevue its second straight team title as the Wolverines finished with 13 points to edge Newport's 12.

Chang had finished second last year to Erin Gowen of Mercer Island, who now plays for Notre Dame.

"This is a lot better," said Chang, clutching the championship trophy. "I never got this before."

Drew, younger brother of former Blanchet and California basketball standout Ryan Drew, has used his height of 6 feet 3 inches effectively to become the 40th ranked 16-and-under player in the nation.

"His serve has improved a lot," said Walter. "He's gotten a lot taller. My return of serve was good today. That's the main thing I was happy with. If he can get that first serve in and get to the net and hit volleys, he's really tough to beat."

Drew, a junior, automatically becomes the man to beat at state next year. Walter will move on to the University of Washington after winning two singles titles and the doubles crown as a sophomore.

KingCo Conference teams won the doubles titles.

Mercer Island's undefeated duo of senior Milt Reimers and junior Chris Amundsen won its championship match over John Eagon and Ryan McCarthy of Walla Walla 6-3, 6-0. Amundsen's brother, Jon, teamed with Brent Chinn to win the 1991 doubles title.

Newport's Ging Ging Liu and Tammy Chou beat Janel Broderson and Sarah Cogdell of North Kitsap.