Photo by Alicia Alumbaugh |
Sullivan junior Izzie Jenkins returns a shot during Monday's match at South Vermillion.
BY TRAVIS DAVID
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Most coaches prefer to win events in dominating fashion. But veteran coach Wes Kirk welcomes a good challenge from opposing teams.
Such was the case Monday evening when the Sullivan girls tennis team traveled for former Western Indiana Conference rival South Vermillion.
The Lady Arrows picked up their fifth straight win by narrowly slipping past the Wildcats, 3-2. The close call improved Sullivan’s record to 6-1 on the season.
“This was our second 3-2 win of the season as we defeated Indian Creek by the same score although we won at different positions,” the Lady Arrows’ coach said. “But as far as I am concerned, this is a good sign. Most tennis matches are ultimately a test of depth. Tonight, we had enough depth to get the team win and we also had good opportunities in the matches we lost.”
Mercedes Ferree and Izzie Jenkins both cruised to a pair of 6-1, 6-1 wins on the No. 2 and No. 3 singles’ courts, respectively, for the first two points of the match.
The match was decided at the No. 2 spot in doubles. Seniors Cabella Golish and Isabelle Harris came away with a 6-2, 6-4 win to secure the team victory.
“They came up with another very important win for our team,” Kirk said of his senior tandem. “I would be just fine if they make a habit of that.”
Coming up short on Monday was top singles player Ally McKinney. The junior dropped a tough 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 decision against Jaci McClain.
The Lady Arrows’ No. 1 player was on the verge of being swept in the match, but overcame a 4-1 deficit in the second set to win in a tiebreaker.
“Ally made an impressive comeback,” Kirk said of his junior. “She showed a lot of heart and gave herself a chance to win against a very strong opponent tonight.”
Sullivan also dropped a point at the No. 1 tandem spot as Jaci Wilson and Emma Couch lost 6-4, 6-2 against Jordan Luce and Sophie Thomas.
The Lady Arrows picked up wins in eight of the 10 junior varsity matches against the Wildcats.
Lori Alumbaugh, Annabel Grant and Alexis Smith all won on the singles court. In doubles action, the tandems of Jada Spurlock/Payton Sparks, Addy Hunt/Jurnee Stalcup, Zoey Torrance/Maelee Ayers, Sophie Phegley/Lynnlee Tracy and Victoria Harvey/Bea Ferrario all earned wins.
Kirk had a little fun with his reserve players after the match.
“They had a great night with some of them earning their first wins,” the coach said. “I told them on the bus ride home that since they are winning now, the ball machine speed is going up. And I think I may have heard a few groans.”
Sullivan (6-1) plays host to WIC foe West Vigo on Wednesday.
SULLIVAN 3, South Vermillion 2
Singles:
1) Jaci McClain (SV) def. Ally McKinney 6-4, 6-7(3-7), 6-4
2) Mercedes Ferree (S) def. Ali Cunning 6-1, 6-1
3) Izzie Jenkins (S) def. Olivia Thomas 6-1, 6-1
Doubles:
1) Jordan Luse/Sophie Thomas (SV) def. Jacie Wilson/Emma Couch 6-4, 6-2
2) Cabela Golish/Isabelle Harris (S) def. Mia Garzolini/Olivia Thomas 6-2, 6-4
