The Madison County boys’ tennis team seems to have turned the tables after a few near misses earlier this year.
The team is back to .500 overall and has a 2-1 subregion record after a 4-1 win over Winder-Barrow.
The Raiders own a two-game winning streak.
“I’m extremely proud of the way our boys have been playing the last few matches,” coach Keith Strickland said. “After losing so many close matches, 3-2; they’ve turned it around and won the last two region matches with confidence.”
Both Marcus Bowen and Jeffrey Branson pulled out three-set victories at no. 1 and no. 2 singles against Winder-Barrow as Madison County moved to 3-3 on the season.
“Our singles players Marcus and Jeffrey have played very well and are learning how to win the big points and take matches even if they have to go three sets,” Strickland said.
Blaise Bolemon, back from an injury, “played a great match,” Strickland said, at no. 3 singles, winning easily in straight sets.
The no. 1 doubles tandem of Jake Scarborough and Chris Dove won their match in three sets.
“Like the singles players, the no. 1 doubles team of Jake Scarborough and Chris Dove have proven to be fighters,” Strickland said. “They’ve won the last two matches in three sets and have gained a ton of confidence.”
Madison County dropped its only point of the day at no. 2 doubles.
“We’re still working hard at no. 2 doubles,” Strickland said. “We’ve lost some really close ones.”
The Raiders pulled off three three-set victories to beat Apalachee 3-2 March 12.
It marked the team’s first region win.
The Madison County netters lost the first set at every position, but Bowen, Branson and the doubles team of Scarborough and Dove each rallied to win their matches.
The Raiders fell to Rockdale County 3-2 one day earlier.
Madison County picked up both its points in doubles play with the teams of Dove and Scarborough and Josh Dooley and Connor Hancock prevailing.
