By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Bedford North Lawrence suffered two setbacks at once.
The first was the match, as No.25 Bloomington North posted a 4-1 victory on Monday afternoon. The second was the tough loss of Nadia Anderson, who went down with a knee injury at No.2 singles. That’s a double ouch, although the latter hurt far worse.
The Cougars swept the singles. BNL (3-2) did record a dominant win at No.2 doubles, but the Anderson injury overshadowed the action on the asphalt. And there was no hiding that view as Anderson was helped off the court. The Stars will now have to adjust their lineup going forward.
“I hoped they didn’t see it,” BNL coach Joni Stigall said. “But as soon as they did, they were kind of done. It’s hard when a teammate goes down. It’s a big deal. Now we have to adjust, and that’s tough. We will have to figure it out.“
What’s easy to figure out? BNL’s quality at 2 doubles. Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge remained unbeaten this season as they hammered out a 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Maddie Brumley and Laurel Taylor. Stigall has been able to count on that court.
“I don’t expect them to lose,” Stigall said. “They’re a good team and they can volley so well. I saw a lot of really good volleys. They play well together. They don’t get mad, they don’t get pouty, they just go play.”
In singles, North’s Alex Shirley topped Becca Epping 6-2, 6-2 at No.1. Bella Winkler owned a 6-2, 5-0 lead on Anderson when she crumpled on the baseline. Lucy Smith capped the solo action with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Italy Lewis at No.3.
At No.1 doubles, North’s Ellie Bruce and Keira Murphy pulled out a 6-3, 6-3 win over Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride, with the outcome hinging on key service breaks in both sets.
“It came down to our mistakes,” Stigall said. “We know what we have to fix. North is really good, so I’m not disappointed. I’m super proud of how we played. It’s just taking out some silly errors.”
BNL will visit Bloomington South on Tuesday.
BLOOMINGTON NORTH 4, BNL 1
Singles
1 Alex Shirley, BN d. Becca Epping 6-2, 6-2
2 Bella Winkler, BN d. Nadia Anderson 6-2, 5-0 (retired, injury)
3 Lucy Smith, BN d. Italy Lewis 6-4, 6-0
Doubles
1 Ellie Bruce and Keira Murphy, BN d. Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride 6-3, 6-3
2 Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge, BNL d. Maddie Brumley and Laurel Taylor 6-1, 6-0
