By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – First-match nerves can be contagious. By the time Bedford North Lawrence found the cure, the malady had infected almost every court.
Brown County adjusted first, battling through the afternoon breeze and fighting off BNL’s late recovery for a 4-1 victory over the new-look Stars on Thursday.
BNL’s Emma Conover posted a win at No.1 singles, and the Stars made significant progress with second-set fire in other matches, but the Eagles escaped with a team triumph while sweeping doubles.
”As a team, we definitely felt some first-match nerves,” BNL first-year coach Jennifer Edwards said. “But the girls settled in, found their rhythm, and got to work. We had some long, hard-fought battles, but ultimately came up short.”
Conover went the distance for her win, coming back for a 5-7, 7-5, 10-3 victory over Allison Blee.
”I am really proud of our senior for pulling out a win after a long, drawn-out match,” Edwards said. “Emma showed incredible leadership, staying composed and fighting for every single point. I’m grateful our younger players had the chance to watch her compete and see what it looks like to never give up.“
Brown County won the lower singles as Chloe Sawyer edged Emma Voris 6-2, 7-6 (7-2 in the tiebreaker) at No.2, while Elayna Stanley stopped Claire Edwards 6-2, 6-1 at No.3.
In doubles, the Eagles prevailed as Chloe Poling and Olivia Sawyer topped Jada Key and Bailey Fisher 6-1, 7-5 at No.1. Michaela Smith and Ava Kinney cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Abi Bruner and Forum Patel at No.2.
”Despite the scores not fully reflecting how close each matchup was, the team showed heart, resilience, and strong growth for our first outing of the season,” Edwards said. “I’m proud of this group and excited for what’s ahead.”
The Stars will host Barr-Reeve on Monday.
BROWN COUNTY 4, BNL 1
Singles
1 Emma Conover, BNL d. Allison Blee 5-7, 7-5, 10-3
2 Chloe Sawyer, BC d. Emma Voris 6-2, 7-6 (7-2)
3 Elayna Stanley, BC d. Claire Edwards 6-2, 6-2
Doubles
1 Chloe Poling and Olivia Sawyer, BC d. Jada Key and Bailey Fisher 6-1, 7-5
2 Michaela Smith and Ava Kinney, BC d. Abi Bruner and Forum Patel 6-0, 6-0
