By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Seymour feasted on bagels while continuing its sectional championship defense.
The Owls won five sets without surrendering a point – a “bagel” in tennis slang – while rolling to a 4-1 victory over Bedford North Lawrence in the semifinal on Thursday. Seymour will face Trinity Lutheran in the finale on Friday.
The Stars were looking to flip one court from their 3-2 loss to the Owls during the regular season. That didn’t happen as Seymour swept the singles while cruising to the championship match.
“Seymour was just too consistent,” BNL coach Ian Dillman said. “That’s our main problem, not being able to be consistent ourselves and finishing off the points.”
BNL’s lone win came at No.2 doubles. Neal Patel and Braxton Fugate prevailed in a tough battle, with Patel’s net poaching making the difference during a 6-4, 7-5 win over Max Payne and Gage Hillian.
”They played a great last match,” Dillman said. “They had to fight for that second set (after racing to a 5-2 lead). Seymour inched their way back. Braxton and Neal were making some great shots.”
Seymour was too strong on the other courts. Carter Stein topped Jackson Corey 6-1, 6-0 at No.1 singles, Dane Thompson conquered Asher Thompson 6-0, 6-0 at No.2, and Gus Henry slipped past Aden Ralston 6-2, 6-3 at No.3.
“Jackson was making great moves on his court,” Dillman said. “He started strong, and when he was pulled to the net he put those volleys away. His overheads were great. Asher and Aden are fighters out there. They are solid and always look for ways to bring the match back in their favor.”
At No.1 doubles, Seymour’s Shun Takeuchi and Braylon Busby buzzed Orion Hill and Micah Carter 6-0, 6-0.
“They didn’t have the results we wanted,” Dillman said. “They fought but came up short. This season has really taken it out on my senior captains. Those two, regardless of what the score was, were cheering each other on and their teammates. They are great leaders on and off the courts. I’m hoping next year someone is going to fit into that spot as a leader and continue what they started.”
BNL closed the campaign with an 8-12 record.
“Overall, this season was a success in my eyes,” Dillman said. “We completed our goal of doubling our wins from last year, we’ve improved tremendously on the courts with skill and tennis knowledge. I’m going to lose four varsity players, so their spots are for the taking. It’s already going to be a battle for my guys to fill all those varsity roles. They are eager and ready to play.”
On the other courts, Trinity Lutheran edged Jennings County 3-2 to reach the final.
IHSAA SECTIONAL
Semifinals at BNL
Seymour 4, BNL 1
Singles
1 Carter Stein, S d. Jackson Corey 6-1, 6-0
2 Dane Thompson, S d. Asher Thompson 6-0, 6-0
3 Gus Henry, S d. Aden Ralston 6-2, 6-3
Doubles
1 Shun Takeuchi and Braylon Busby, S d. Orion Hill and Micah Carter 6-0, 6-0
2 Neal Patel and Braxton Fugate, BNL d. Max Payne and Gage Hillian 6-4, 7-5
Trinity Lutheran 3, Jennings County 2
Singles
1 Parker Bales, JC d. Jack Stuckwisch 6-0, 6-0
2 Daniel Neawedde, TL d. Colten Short 6-0, 6-1
3 Adam Alberring, TL d. Lucius Stidham 6-0, 6-4
Doubles
1 Ty Zohrlaut and Luke Napier, JC d. Jonathan Neawedde and Reed Roeder 6-2, 6-2
2 Luke Schepman and Ross Beavers, TL d. Asher Morin and Charlie Treadway 6-4, 7-6
