Seven junior tennis players were in Juneau over the weekend to get some much needed tournament practice before the Tennis Yukon players head off their outdoor courts and into the gym for the winter.

The doubles tournament was hosted by Juneau's high school tennis club.

Stacy Lewis, president of Tennis Yukon and instructor says two junior players were matched with more senior players to help those who have never competed gain some experience.

"We just thought it would be good for those junior players to get some experience,” said Lewis.

The two junior players had never played on an indoor court, never mind in competition.

"I think it was a good plan,” said Lewis. "I know the two newer players were quite nervous.”

The youth quickly got rid of their nerves, and after losing their first matches they secured an all-Whitehorse final in the Consolation matches.

Splitting the two experienced players to play with the juniors helped them get a little confidence and get over their initial nervousness, Lewis said.

Kieran Halliday and Khang Pham played their Whitehorse teammates Ryan Lane and Ben Periera, with the latter team winning to take third place overall. Halliday and Pham placed fourth.

The weekend went well, Lewis said. The players had a great time, and hit the courts every chance they could.

"Whenever there was an empty court they were jumping on it to play a little more,” Lewis said. "I know that they had a good time.”

After the regular play Ryan Lane, who competed at the Canada Summer Games in P.E.I. in June, challenged the top Juneau player to a match.

The hard fought match unfortunately went to the Juneau player, but Lane enjoyed himself.

"He lost, but it was pretty close,” said Lewis. "He was quite proud of himself.”

Halliday also competed at the Canada Summer Games in June.

"Both of them have more match play experience,” Lewis said.

"It was very exciting, we came back on a total high,” said Lewis.

Now Tennis Yukon will head into the gym for the rest of the winter as the weather begins to get colder. Lewis says the club hopes to head back to Juneau in November. While there are many tournaments in Southern Canada, Lewis says the costs are too great to travel.