BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington South posted a tense 3-2 victory over Bedford North Lawrence during the semifinal round of the IHSAA sectional on Thursday.
The Panthers, who also recorded a 3-2 win during the regular-season clash, won a tight battle at No.1 doubles to advance to the sectional championship. The Stars finished their season with a 10-8 record.
BNL won at No.3 singles as Italy Lewis topped Hannah Vandeventer 6-3, 6-3, and the No.2 doubles duo of Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge capped an undefeated season (20-0) with a 6-2, 6-0 triumph over Anna Fedderson and Audrey Wu.
“Italy played well,” BNL coach Joni Stigall said. “Our No.2 doubles is just a strong team for that spot. They finished undefeated, and that’s outstanding. I’m super proud of them and we’re really looking forward to see how they move up to that top spot next year.”
South won at the top two singles. Maddie Santner defeated Becca Epping 6-0, 6-2 at No.1, while Brooke Liao edged Ashlyn Wever 6-3, 6-3 at No.2.
The match hinged on No.1 doubles. South’s Caitlin Heim and Riley Walker won a first-set tiebreaker en route to a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 win over Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride.
“They wanted that one pretty bad, so I hate it for them,” Stigall said. “But that’s the game. Every single point matters. They’ve been huge for us for their three seasons so I’m so proud of them and hate to see them go.
“It’s tough. South is a tough team but we were pretty confident. It’s disappointing when you just don’t have your best game when you need it.”
IHSAA SECTIONAL
Semifinal at Bloomington South
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 3, BNL 2
Singles
1 Maddie Santner, BS d. Becca Epping 6-0, 6-2
2 Brooke Liao, BS d. Ashlyn Wever 6-3, 6-3
3 Italy Lewis, BNL d. Hannah Vandeventer 6-3, 6-3
Doubles
1 Caitlin Heim and Riley Walker, BS d. Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
2 Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge, BNL d. Anna Fedderson and Audrey Wu 6-2, 6-0
