PENDLETON — The Pendleton Heights girls tennis team played their way to the Madison County finals on their home court April 16 but lost to defending champion Alexandria 3-2.
Coach Royce Hammel had to make late changes to the lineup when two of his players were unable to play.
“I think I focused a little too much on my doubles lineup when I should have went with the singles.”
One of the lineup changes happened early Saturday morning.
“It’s OK though — things happen,” Hammel said.
Abby Cruser, who is 5-0 for the season, was the first win in the match for the Arabians.
She defeated Carlie Remington in No. 1 singles 6-0, 6-1.
At No. 2 singles, Jessica Thompson battled Allie Clark early but took a 6-4 win into the second set. She dominated the second set for a 6-0 and match win to complete the Arabians win tally.
Jaima Link stepped into the No. 3 singles slot for the first time.
While she and her opponent had several long vollies, Link dropped the match 0-6, 1-6. Link usually plays junior varsity.
“She’s right there on that borderline of my top eight or nine players,” Hammel said.
Both the doubles teams had new partners for championship play and fell to the Tigers. Josie Graves and Faith Bluel at No. 1 doubles lost to Taylor Stinefield and Ally Honeycutt, while Camille Spencer and Gia Thorsen fell to Emily Leever and Addy Warren in No. 2 doubles.
The Arabians path to the finals came as a result of a 5-0 win against Elwood in the opening round and a 4-1 win over Lapel in the semifinals.
“It was nice to be in the finals,” Hammel said. “Going 3-2 here, you take that as a positive.”
At 2-3 for the season, the Arabians travel to Shenandoah April 20 and play host to Shelbyville April 22 and Hamilton Heights April 23.
