BEDFORD – Bedford North Lawrence won three sets in tiebreakers while edging Bloomfield 3-2 during boys high school tennis action on Friday.
BNL freshman Levi Thompson pulled out a tough three-set victory at No.3 singles as the Stars improved to 3-1 with their first home-courts win of the season.
After dropping the first set in a tiebreaker, Thompson battled back for a tense 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 win over Leo Pegg. Aden Ralston also won a first-set tiebreaker en route to a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory over Dax Dayhoff at No.2 singles.
“Our singles are still struggling to find their confidence on the court,” BNL coach Ian Dillman said. “In practice we strike the ball with force and precision, but when it comes to a match we slow down and can’t find a solid rhythm. We just have to have faith in ourselves and our shots, and go for them.
“Levi was able to battle his way back in his match, and Aden was able to hold off a consistent slice player. Those slices are never easy to deal with, especially when they come at you the whole match.”
BNL’s Cruz Gomez and Riley Pruett continued their solid play while topping Lincoln Miller and Drake Sherrard 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) at No.2 doubles.
The Cardinals prevailed at No.1 singles as Slok Patel topped Andrew Bennett, who was making his varsity debut while filling in for Laedon Jones (out with an ankle injury), by a 6-1, 6-0 decision. Bloomfield also won at No.1 doubles, with Cameron Branstetter and Jake Rose battling past Jackson Corey and Asher Thompson 5-7, 7-5, 7-5.
“I’m really happy with the doubles, they have had some close matches,” Dillman said. “We are still struggling with the transition from singles to doubles, but they are starting to see the court as a doubles player. I have high hopes for them this year and I know they will surpass my expectations.
“I’m glad we are ending this week on a strong note. The 3-1 record doesn’t look too bad, in my opinion.”
The Stars will visit Columbus East on Monday.
BNL 3, Bloomfield 2
Singles
1 Slok Patel, Bloom d. Andrew Bennett 6-1, 6-0
2 Aden Ralston, BNL d. Dax Dayhoff 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
3 Levi Thompson, BNL d. Leo Pegg 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
Doubles
1 Cameron Branstetter and Jake Rose, Bloom d. Jackson Corey and Asher Thompson 5-7, 7-5, 7-5
2 Cruz Gomez and Riley Pruett, BNL d. Lincoln Miller and Drake Sherrard 6-1, 7-6 (10-8)
