LINTON – Bedford North Lawrence shifted its normal lineup and cruised to a 5-0 victory over Linton during high school tennis action on Thursday.
Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride moved to the top of the singles lineup as the Stars (2-1) swept to their first road victory of the season, dropping only four games in doubles while battling through the windy conditions.
“I wanted to give the girls an opportunity to play in a different spot or position if possible, and this match seemed like the right one to make the move,” BNL coach Joni Stigall said. “Becca (Epping) has been itching for doubles and Ashlyn (Wever) deserved a chance at varsity. They played really well. It took a couple of games to get warmed up and get the hang of it, but they ended up really playing well.”
Epping and Wever rolled to a 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Natalie Brinson and Kallie Rice at No.2 doubles. Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge slid up to No.1 doubles and posted a 6-0, 6-1 win over Maddy Hazelwood and Makenna Lanham.
“I knew Izzy and Kenley could make the move to 1 doubles with no problem,” Stigall said. “They played really solid. In a match, that can sometimes make it hard to get in a rhythm and play well.”
In singles, Stigall fought off a challenge from Linton’s Cassi Goodman, finishing with a 6-3, 6-3 win. Pride posted a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Savannah Neal at No.2, and Rachel Kidd topped the Miners’ Abbi Roney 6-3, 6-2 at No.3.
“I moved Bella and Mallory to singles tonight because they just need to play singles some,” Stigall said. “Mallory had a pretty easy time, she served much better and hit good, smart shots. Bella struggled a bit just to get herself ready to play. She was hitting shots long, and getting a little frustrated, but her serve usually gets her through. Rachel also struggled with some shots. Sometimes in that wind when shots won’t fall, you lose your confidence in any shot. That may have happened to her a little, but again she finished strong.
“I’m proud of our team and their continued effort.”
BNL will visit Loogootee on Monday.
BNL 5, LINTON 0
Singles
1 Bella Stigall d Cassi Goodman 6-3, 6-3
2 Mallory Pride d. Savannah Neal 6-0, 6-2
3 Rachel Kidd d. Abbi Roney 6-3, 6-2
Doubles
1 Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge d. Maddy Hazelwood and Makenna Lanham 6-0, 6-1
2 Becca Epping and Ashl;yin Weber d. Natalie Brinson and Kallie Rice 6-2, 6-1
