BROWNSTOWN – Brownstown got off to a fast start on every court and held on for a 3-2 win over Bedford North Lawrence during boys high school tennis action on Thursday.
The Braves won the first set in each match, then survived BNL comebacks on three courts to post the team triumph. Brownstown won the top two singles, including a tough three-set thriller at No.2.
“Close but not close enough,” BNL coach Ian Dillman said. “I couldn’t be happier with the way these guys played. We lost the first set on every court but we bounced back in the second on all of them. It was a show to behold.”
The Stars won at No.3 singles as Reece Goodgame made his varsity debut quite memorable with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over Brady Davis. BNL also won at No.2 doubles, with Micah Carter and Wyatt Corbin combining for a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Jace Reaser and Trey Issacs.
“I couldn’t be more happier for Reece,” Dillman said. “He told me he was eager to win. His enthusiasm continued even after the first-set loss. He was the best mover on the court. My other singles guys need to take note of his footwork and his ability to hit angles away from his opponent.
“Our two doubles was great as well. The way those two are able to lift each other up and crush the ball is outstanding. I loved watching them come back in the second set.”
Brownstown’s Smith Hackman stopped Jackson Corey 6-3, 6-0 at No.1 singles, while Chase Brock edged Braxton Fugate 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 at No.2. The Braves also won at No.1 doubles as Lane Steward and Max Peters conquered Orion Hill and Neal Patel 6-2, 6-4.
“Braxton was playing so good,” Dillman said. “He seemed out of it in the first set but crawled his way back to push to the end. It was a match that could’ve gone either way. I told Braxton I don’t care if he loses the match, I’d only care if he played shy and timid. After that Braxton started moving more and hitting the ball so much better. I keep telling them, win or lose, I’d rather you go out playing your game and not whatever the opponent wants you to play.
“I’m happy with our progress. We are getting there.”
The Stars (2-9) will compete in the Edgewood Invitational on Saturday.
Brownstown 3, BNL 2
Singles
1 Smith Hackman, Br d. Jackson Corey 6-3, 6-0
2 Chase Brock, Br d. Braxton Fugate 6-3, 2-6, 6-4
3 Reece Goodgame, BNL d. Brady Davis 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
Doubles
1 Lane Steward and Max Peters, Br. D. Orion Hill and Neal Patel 6-2, 6-4
2 Micah Carter and Wyatt Corbin, BNL d. Jace Reaser and Trey Issacs 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
