COLUMBUS – Bedford North Lawrence broke through for its first win of the 2024 season, sweeping doubles en route to a 4-1 victory over Columbus East during boys high school tennis action on Monday.
The Stars (1-5) also recorded the first win for new head coach Ian Dillman.
BNL’s Neal Patel and Orion Hill won a first-set tiebreaker to fend off Trevor Ernst and Micah Wettschurack 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 at No.1 doubles, while the new tandem of Micah Carter and Wyatt Corbin cruised past Cooper Henry and Carson Hartsook 6-2, 6-2 at No.2.
“It was a great first win,” Dillman said. “I’m so happy with the way we played. We played determined and focused.”
In singles, Braxton Fugate fought past East’s Owen Kirk 7-5, 6-3 at No.2, while freshman Asher Thompson topped Michael Reed 6-1, 6-0 at No.3.
“I kept telling the guys to play free and to stop being so timid and shy,” Dillman said. “They finally recognized that tonight with Asher and Braxton. Asher was the one to set the tone, being first off the courts. These other guys need to take note.”
The Olympians won at No.1 singles as Tyler Ernst stopped Jackson Corey 6-0, 6-1.
BNL will host Jennings County on Tuesday.
BNL 4, Columbus East 1
Singles
1 Tyler Ernst, CE d. Jackson Corey 6-0, 6-1
2 Braxton Fugate, BNL d. Owen Kirk 7-5, 6-3
3 Asher Thompson, BNL d., Michael Reed 6-1, 6-0
Doubles
1 Neal Patel and Orion Hill, BNL d. Trevor Ernst and Micah Wettschurack 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
2 Micah Carter and Wyatt Corbin, BNL d. Cooper Henry and Carson Hartsook 6-2, 6-2
