By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Playing only their second varsity match together, Bedford North Lawrence’s Lauren Salzmann and Jada Key showed the potential for the future. They earned the attention of their opponents and their first-year head coach.
Loogootee’s Marley McAtee and Sophia Toy had to rally in the second set at No.1 doubles to record the final team point as the Lions conquered the Stars 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon. BNL, fresh from its first win of the season, lacked the overall firepower, but flashes of excellence were everywhere on the asphalt courts.
McAtee and Toy trailed 4-1 in the second set before battling back to post a 6-3, 7-5 victory. The Stars were also competitive at No.2 doubles, where Kamila Wilson and Cora Consley stopped Emma Voris and Claire Edwards 6-1, 6-2.
“The girls played another tough opponent,” BNL coach Ian Dillman said. “We contested with them on a few courts.
“My doubles pairing of Jada and Lauren have impressed me. Jada is solid at the baseline when she lines up her shots, and Lauren is able to be fierce at the net. We need to work on putting volleys away and moving into position for that duo.”
The Lions were too tough in singles. Macy Knepp clipped Emma Conover 6-1, 6-0 at No.1, Addy Lengacher swept past Laura Wires 6-0, 6-0 at No.2, and Izabelle Gingerich topped Bailey Guthrie 6-1, 6-2 at No.3.
“Emma was suffering with back and hip pains all night,” Dillman said. “She’s a fighter. I love her spirit on the court. She kept a calm mind and worked on her mental game. Even with her back and hips hurting, she ran down every ball and worked her way up to the net to finish off a few points. We are working on her approach shots to get her in her comfort zone again.”
BNL (1-4) will visit Jennings County on Thursday.
LOOGOOTEE 5, BNL 0
Singles
1 Macy Knepp d.Emma Conover 6-1, 6-0
2 Addy Lengacher d. Laura Wires 6-0, 6-0
3 Izabelle Gingerich d. Bailey Guthrie 6-1, 6-2
Doubles
1 Marley McAtee and Sophia Toy d. Lauren Salzmann and Jada Key 6-3, 7-5
2 Kamila Wilson and Cora Consley d. Emma Voris and Claire Edwards 6-1, 6-2
