PAOLI – Paoli swept the doubles, including a three-set battle, while clipping Bedford North Lawrence 3-2 during boys high school tennis action on Monday.
Paoli’s Jonny Shellenberger and Blaze Knapp went the distance to win the deciding point at No.1 doubles, edging BNL’s Orion Hill and Neal Patel 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. The Rams also prevailed at No.2 doubles as Chad Sullivan and Brian Fullington stopped Micah Carter and Wyatt Corbin 6-3, 6-1.
The Stars (2-12) won two matches in singles. Braxton Fugate topped Dakota Mousty 6-1, 6-3 at No.2, and Reece Goodgame conquered Charlie Higgins 6-2, 6-3 at No.3.
“It again didn’t go our way, but I can tell we are getting there,” BNL coach Ian Dillman said. “We have to stay positive and keep the high energy out there on the courts. We need to start thinking of us as winners before stepping out there. Reece said before we got off the bus he’s ‘ready and determined’ and it brought a light to my eyes, a spark in the heart to help keep me going. These guys aren’t done and out for the count, that’s the furthest thing from it.”
Paoli also won at No.1 singles as Kirk Hughes stopped Jackson Corey 6-3, 6-0.
“We fought on every court,” Dillman said. “ I’m really excited for us. We are coming for that win and we won’t give it up easily.
“I’d like to pull a Curt Cignetti (Indiana’s football coach) and call out for all of tennis fans and Bedford residents to come out and support all BNL athletics. All the teams are great, but I know we can do a lot more with the support of the community that come to watch us. Don’t count us out because of a few bad games or matches. BNL is a dominant force in athletics, our time to shine is coming.”
The Stars will visit Scottsburg on Tuesday
Paoli 3, BNL 2
Singles
1 Kirk Hughes, P d. Jackson Corey 6-3, 6-0
2 Braxton Fugate, BNL d. Dakota Mousty 6-1, 6-3
3 Reece Goodgame, BNL d. Charlie Higgins 6-2, 6-3
Doubles
1 Jonny Shellenberger and Blaze Knapp, P d. Orion Hill and Neal Patel 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
2 Chad Sullivan and Brian Fullington, P d. Micah Carter and Wyatt Corbin 6-3, 6-1
