BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington South swept the singles while edging feisty Bedford North Lawrence 4-1 during girls high school tennis action on Tuesday afternoon.
The Stars (1-3) made the Panthers work for the win. BNL won at No.1 doubles, lost a tough two-setter at No.2 doubles, and went three sets at No.2 singles.
“We did push them, which is exciting,” BNL coach Joni Stigall said. “That’s the best we’ve ever played South. We’re making progress and I have to be happy with that.
“We have to be doing something right out there. These girls don’t have any experience and we’re playing with girls that should be whipping up on us. So it’s pretty positive.”
BNL’s Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride prevailed in doubles, posting an impressive 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Chelsie Lindauer and Ava Rupp.
“Bella and Mallory are a good team, and they had to play pretty well to beat South,” Stigall said. “They made errors, so I can see a lot of improvement they can make. I should be pretty happy with what we did.”
South posted a tight win at No.2 doubles as Caitlin Heim and Natali Sarraf clipped Kinley Craig and Isabelle Alldredge 6-4, 6-4.
“They gave them great games, and yet they didn’t play well,” Stigall said. “So I’m optimistic at that spot. I guess that’s a good sign.”
In singles, South’s Briah O’Neal overpowered Rachel Kidd 6-2, 6-1 at No.1, while Riley Walker zipped past Becca Epping 6-0, 6-0 at No.3. BNL’s Emily Duncan went three sets before falling to Maddie Santner 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 at No.2.
“Rachel played a girl who could flat-out hit the ball,” Stigall said. “It was ridiculous how hard she hit the ball. For Emily, that girl came out firing in the second set. They just played a better player.”
BNL will host Linton on Thursday.
Bloomington South 4, BNL 1
Singles
1 Briah O’Neal, BS d. Rachel Kidd 6-2, 6-1
2 Maddie Santner, BS d. Emily Duncan 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
3 Riley Walker, BS d. Becca Epping 6-0, 6-0
Doubles
1 Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride, BNL d. Chelsie Lindauer and Ava Rupp 6-0, 6-2
2 Caitlin Heim and Natali Sarraf, BS d. Kinley Craig and Isabelle Alldredge 6-4, 6-4
