By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The doubles courts dictated Paoli’s direction.
The Rams won crucial tiebreakers in two swing matches while clipping Bedford North Lawrence 3-2 on Monday afternoon. Paoli swept the doubles, offsetting BNL’s two three-set turnarounds by Orion Hill and Isaac Bridges in the lower singles.
Hill recorded a remarkable rally at No.2 singles. After dropping the first set 6-0, he found something that clicked and stuck with it to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-4.
“Orion had a rough first set, just could not find a rhythm or things that worked,” BNL coach Chris Kurtz said. “But the entire match he seemed calm and relaxed, which allowed him to keep searching.
“He won a few games early in the second set and decided on a completely different style, and that proved to be very effective. I’m really pleased with the fight and mental toughness he showed through all of it.”
BNL’s Isaac Bridges fought past Dakota Mousty 6-7, 7-6, 10-3 at No.3 singles.
The Rams won all the tough points in doubles. Colton Henderson and Blaze Knapp fought off Drew Stephenson and Neal Patel 7-6 (7-5 in the tiebreaker), 6-4. At No.2 doubles, Chad Sullivan and Klay Turner turned back Gavin Baker and Jackson Corey 6-3, 7-6 (7-5 in the tiebreaker, finishing a comeback from 5-2 down in the set).
Kirkland Hughes posted a 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Jayden Kemp at No.1 singles.
“Jayden wasn’t feeling well and he struggled,” Kurtz said. “On all the other courts, the leads were changing quickly, and. the matches were very competitive.”
BNL (5-9) will host Scottsburg on Tuesday.
Paoli 3, BNL 2
Singles
1 Kirkland Hughes, P d. Jayden Kemp 6-1, 6-0
2 Orion Hill, BNL d. Jonny Shellenberger 0-6, 6-4, 6-4
3 Isaac Bridges, BNL d. Dakota Moustry 6-7, 7-6, 10-3
Doubles
1 Colton Henderson and Blaze Knapp, P d. Drew Stephenson and Neal Patel 7-6 (7-5), 6-4
2 Chad Sullivan and Klay Turner, P d. Gavin Baker and Jackson Corey 6-3, 7-6 (7-5)
