By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The defending champion is always the measuring stick, the target. Bedford North Lawrence showed its progress and its remaining challenges during the first look at the sectional’s best.
Seymour powered to a 3-2 victory over the Stars on Thursday afternoon, taking the top spots in both categories. The Owls dropped only three games on the first two singles courts, coupling that with a straightforward, straight-set triumph at No.1 doubles.
That’s the bad news. BNL coach Ian DIllman preferred to focus on and accentuate the good.
“People were confused with how I reacted to our loss,” Dillman said. “I’m looking at the bigger picture here. We took the defending sectional team to the very brink. We ultimately came up short in the end, but we know what to expect and work toward our next time playing them.
”My guys came out today ready for a battle. Seymour’s battle plan was just better.”
The Stars were victorious at No.2 doubles as Neal Patel and Braxton Fugate cruised to a 6-0, 6-4 win over Max Payne and Gage Hillian. Aden Ralston also posted a smooth win as he conquered Bryson Terrell 6-3, 6-1 at No.3 singles.
“Aden was playing a great match,” Dillman said. “I keep telling my players we are good and can do great things, however a lot of the people we play can also do the same thing. So when you win a point, you have to be yelling – not only for yourself but for your team. I believe that’s what helped us out on 3 singles and 2 doubles.
“Neal and Braxton just work so well together. I’m glad I can put either doubles team at 1 or 2 and still pull out a victory at 2 doubles.”
Seymour’s Carter Stein stopped Jackson Corey 6-1, 6-0 at No.1 singles while Dane Thompson handled Asher Thompson 6-0, 6-2 at No.2. At No.1 doubles, the Owls had to adjust their normal lineup because of injury, with Shun Takeuchi and Gus Henry defeating Orion Hill and Micah Carter by a 6-2, 6-2 count.
“Our doubles had the energy at times but got discouraged when they missed a few shots in a row,” Dillman said. “We are getting better at shaking those bad points off. Regardless of Seymour missing their normal player, they still were playing consistent tennis and making hard shots that our guys struggled against. They changed up from hard to soft shots. It’s hard to play against that kind of variety, not being able to get a rhythm.
“I like where we are against Seymour, especially the sectional champs. It tells me we are on the right track to success.”
BNL (5-4) will host North Daviess on Saturday.
Seymour 3, BNL 2
Singles
1 Carter Stein, S d. Jackson Corey 6-1, 6-0
2 Dane Thompson, S d. Asher Thompson 6-0, 6-2
3 Aden Ralston, BNL d. Bryson Terrell 6-3, 6-1
Doubles
1 Shun Takeuchi and Gus Henry, S d. Orion Hill and Micah Carter 6-2, 6-2
2 Neal Patel and Braxton Fugate, BNL d. Max Payne and Gage Hillian 6-0, 6-4
