Madison County’s netters ended the regular season Wednesday at home hosting Clarke Central. While results were unavailable at press time, both teams were 13-3 heading into the final match.
Still ahead for Madison County is the region tournament, starting next Thursday, April 14. The region tourney will be hosted at Madison County’s courts. A rain date, if needed, is set for Saturday, April 16.
In the final matches of the regular season, Madison County’s teams fell to North Oconee, the 8-AA South top seed, before adding wins over Apalachee and Winder-Barrow, leaving the Red Raider netters 13-3 before yesterday’s match.
Madison County’s first match in the region tourney was not decided at press time with the draw to be determined after final results are posted from regular season matches.
NORTH OCONEE
Madison County hosted the non-region North Oconee Titans, March 25.
“We knew going into this non-region match that North Oconee had strong line-ups and good depth on both the boys’ and girls’ teams,” said coach Keith Strickland. “We had to play both squads with an altered line-up.”
The boys were missing Blaise Boleman, while the girls were without Sam LaZear, while Adrienne Fitzpatrick played through an ankle injury.
“We have played with some injuries as of late, and looked forward to having the week off for spring beak to rest and heal some,” said Strickland.
The Red Raiders lost 2-3 to the Titans with Trey Morris at number one singles and doubles number two team of Josh Dooley and Jared Osborne recording wins. Morris won 6-0, 6-1, while Dooley/Osborne won 6-3, 6-3.
“Morris took it to his opponent. When he goes on the court, he always sticks to his game plan, but more importantly – he executes it,” Strickland said.
“Dooley/Osborne played very well against a team with experience. Both were aggressive, worked as a team, and attacked the game of their opponents to win in straight sets.”
Ben Strickland at number two singles, fell 3-6, 4-6; Zach Peneguy at number three singles, fell 2-6, 0-6 and doubles number one team Jeffrey Branson and Connor Hancock fell 4-6, 2-6.
The Lady Red Raiders were also defeated, falling 1-4 to North Oconee.
The doubles number two team of Abby Morgan and KayLee Bates recorded the lone win, 7-5, 7-6 for Madison County.
“I was pleased that they stayed focused and won the match in straight sets,” Strickland said. “Both played very well and were aggressive on the big points as well as the key points leading up to each of the set wins.”
At number one singles Jeannie Bowen fell 1-6, 1-6; number two singles Jenny Ortman fell 0-6, 0-6; number three singles Audra Minish fell 1-6, 1-6. Kaitlyn Hale and Adrienne Fitzpatrick fell 3-6, 1-6 at number one doubles.
APALACHEE
Madison County returned this week from the spring break layoff to add a win over Apalachee under extremely windy conditions.
The Red Raiders won 3-2 over the sub-region opponent.
For more see the print edition of the Madison County Journal.
