A long layoff was little hindrance to the Madison County girls’ tennis team.
The Lady Raiders (2-1) whipped Habersham Central 4-1 Tuesday in their first tennis action in 11 days to claim their first subregion win.
“The girls played very well and did just as we expected,” coach Keith Strickland said. “Since we play each team in our subregion twice, our goal is to establish dominance in the first match to give us the momentum when we meet again.”
No. 2 singles player Jeannie Bowen overcame a slow start to win her match in straight sets while both doubles teams — Sarah Powers and Sam LaZear and Alexia Supakorndej and Kaitlyn Hale — won convincingly.
“Both teams will be tough as they get more match play in,” Strickland said.
At no. 3 singles, Audry Minish persevered for a three-set win.
“Once again, Audra Minish surprised me with how well she handles pressure,” Strickland said.
Habersham had already played seven matches this year, compared to two for Madison County.
Winners vs. Hab. Central
•No.2 S Bowen, W, 7-6,6-1
•No.3 S Minish, W, 6-2,4-6,6-3
•No.1 D Powers/LaZear, W,6-4,6-4
•No.2 D Supakorndej/Hale, W,6-3,6-2
Boys' tennis
Raider tennis team loses after long layoff
Unable to shake off the rust from a winter weather hiatus,
Madison County’s boys lost to Habersham Central 3-2 Tuesday.
This could have easily been the Raiders’ (1-2) first region win, coach Keith Strickland said.
“The boys played a match that could have easily been us 4-1,” he said.
Habersham Central had already played seven matches this year, compared to Madison County’s two.
The coach said that top singles player Marcus Bowen “came out on fire” in winning his match in straight sets and that no. 2 singles player Jeffery Branson played well despite losing.
Jake Scarborough and Chris Dove supplied Madison County’s only other victory, taking their match at no.1 doubles in three sets.
“Jake Scarborough and Chris Dove started a little sloppy but turned it around in the final two two sets, playing some really good doubles,” Strickland said.
Connor Hancock and Josh Dooley lost a seesaw match at no. 2 doubles.
“As they gain experience, they will be able to win the big points and take matches like this one,” Strickland said.
Winners vs. Hab. Central
•No.1 S Bowen, W, 6-2,6-2
•No.1 D Scarborough/Dove, W, 2-6,7-6,6-4
