Lady Raiders unscathed in subregion

Madison County (5-1, 3-0) downed Winder-Barrow 4-1 Tuesday to stay perfect in the 8A-AAAA ranks.

“The girls continue to play very well,” said coach Keith Strickland.

Molly Smith and Jeannie Bowen won easily at the top two singles spots, taking those matches in straight sets.

“Molly and Jeannie have been very solid in every match they’ve played this season,” Strickland said.

The duo of Samantha LaZear and Sarah Powers won a three-set match at no. 1 doubles, while Kaitlyn Hale and Alexia Supakorndej won their match easily at no. 2 doubles.

Strickland praised his doubles team play.

“Sarah Powers and Sam LaZear are getting better with every match,” he said. “They played a great third set to continue the strong play we’ve come to expect from our doubles teams. Alexia Supakorndej and Kailtlyn Hale have great chemistry and are learning to close their matches out quickly.”

Madison County blanked new region member Apalachee 5-0 on March 12 to move to 2-0 in region play.

Strickland praised his team for maintaining focus against an unknown foe and winning all matches in straight sets.

“The Apalachee players were a little less experienced and sometimes its easy to get pulled down by that lack of experience, but the girls played their game and took care of business,” he said.

In fact, the Lady Raiders lost just 10 games the entire evening.

A day earlier, Madison County beat Rockdale County 4-1 with the no. 1 and no. 2 singles players and both doubles teams winning in straight sets.

“The girls came out and did exactly what we always stress in our pre-game meeting – they started quickly and put the pressure on and won in straight sets,” Strickland said