NORTH VERNON – Bedford North Lawrence recorded another 3-2 victory while conquering Jennings County during boys high school tennis action on Tuesday.
The Stars (4-2) matched their win total from a year ago, and they’ve won all their matches by the one-point margin that plagued them last season.
BNL dominated the lower end of the lineup, taking the bottom two singles and the No.2 doubles.
“Let me start off by saying a calm mind, wins,” BNL coach Ian Dillman said. “That’s what it took for us. Asher (Thompson), Aden (Ralston) and 2 doubles all started off strong in their matches. They never trailed once in either set, making sure they stayed in front.
“I’ve said this all season, but our mental game and energy level is what’s pushing us over these matches.”
Thompson topped Asher Morin 6-3, 6-1 at No.2 singles, while Ralston posted his first varsity win while stopping Luke Clapp 6-3, 6-1 at No.3. In doubles, Orion Hill and Micah Carter decked Lucius Stidham and Colten Short 6-1, 6-4.
“Aden’s court was the last on, and he didn’t hesitate to end the match quickly,” Dillman said. “Asher was strong, not only physically but mentally. He was telling me he couldn’t hit any shot out there, I told him to start chipping and slicing and to stay in this match no matter what, just get the ball back. With that, he started taking off in his match.”
The Panthers prevailed at No.1 singles as Parker Bales edged Jackson Corey 6-3, 6-4. At No.1 doubles, Ty Zohrlaut and Luke Napier defeated Neal Patel and Braxton Fugate 6-3, 6-0.
”Last year we lost 4-1 to Jennings, this year we flipped the script on them,” Dillman said. “I’m honestly lost for words. My goal is to do better this season , not only as a coach but also to help these guys learn how to handle themselves. I believe they have bigger goals.”
BNL will visit Brown County on Thursday.
BNL 3, Jennings County 2
Singles
1 Parker Bales, JC d. Jackson Corey 6-3, 6-4
2 Asher Thompson, BNL d. Asher Morin 6-3, 6-1
3 Aden Ralston, BNL d. Luke Clapp 6-3, 6-1
Doubles
1 Ty Zohrlaut and Luke Napier, JC d. Neal Patel and Braxton Fugate 6-3, 6-0
2 Orion Hill and Micah Carter, BNL d. Lucius Stidham and Colten Short 6-1, 6-4
