SCOTTSBURG – Bedford North Lawrence swept the doubles while edging Salem 3-2 in the first round of the Scottsburg Invitational on Friday.
The Stars (6-3) dropped only two games on the two doubles courts. Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride cruised past Carmyn Murdock and Cecile Tate 6-1, 6-0 at No.1, while Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge dominated Abby Yake and Macie Crane 6-0, 6-1 at No.2.
“Our doubles were just the better teams,” BNL coach Joni Stigall said. “Both teams came quickly off the courts and that’s what we like to see. Those are good wins for these girls.”
Becca Epping also rolled to a quick victory at No.2 singles as she stopped Isabell Tunney 6-0, 6-1.
“Becca played very consistent and smart,” Stigall said. “Few errors and some good shots makes for an easy win.”
The Lions posted two singles victories. Natalie Noel topped Rachel Kidd 6-1, 6-0 at No.1, while Hannah Fleenor clipped Italy Lewis 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 (in a super tiebreaker) at No.3.
“Rachel played another good athlete who got everything back,” Stigall said. “She just needs some confidence and, quite frankly, to just stop beating herself. The past couple of matches it has been Rachel beating Rachel.
“Italy fought hard. She fought back that second set to win easily. Since the match was decided, there was a tiebreaker instead of the third set. It may have gone the other way in a set, but who knows? It was a good match for her.”
BNL will face Providence in the second round of the tournament on Saturday.
BNL 3, SALEM 2
Singles
1 Natalie Noel, S d. Rachel Kidd 6-1, 6-0
2 Becca Epping, BNL d. Isabell Tunney 6-0, 6-1
3 Hannah Fleenor, S d. Italy Lewis 6-4, 4-6, 10-6
Doubles
1 Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride, BNL d. Carmyn Murdock and Cecile Tate 6-1, 6-0
2 Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge, BNL d. Abby Yake and Macie Crane 6-0, 6-1
