The Madison County boys’ tennis team continued its comeback story Tuesday, beating Apalachee 4-1.
Following a pair of rebuilding seasons, the resurgent Raiders are now 7-4 overall, 6-1 in subregion play and winners of six of their last seven matches.
“As the season progresses, I’m really excited about how the boys’ team is shaping up,” coach Keith Strickland said. “We still have a way to go to get the seed we want in the tournament – but the guys are playing with a new sense of pride and with a belief in themselves.”
In beating Apalachee Tuesday, Madison County won three of its four matches in straight sets.
Jeffrey Branson dominated his first set at no. 2 singles in winning that match in two sets, and Blaise Boleman “came out on fire,” according to Strickland, at no. 3 singles, losing only two games in that victory.
Meanwhile, Jake Scarborough and Chris Dove won easily at no. 1 doubles, and Connor Hancock and Josh Dooley pulled out a three-set win at no. 2 doubles.
“Connor and Josh probably played the best match of the day,” Strickland said. “We had already won the match but really needed the extra win to help us attain our seeding goal.”
Strickland noted that the two “played some of their best tennis of the season” in the deciding set, winning 6-1.
