BEDFORD
The quest for the Hoosier Hills Conference crown commenced for the Seymour High School boys’ tennis team on Monday.
The Owls posted a 4-1 HHC tournament victory over Bedford North Lawrence 4-1 last night to advance to Wednesday’s semifinals contest with Jennings County.
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While the Owls defeated the Stars 5-0 in their first match up, SHS coach Brad Emerson said that the team wasn’t underestimating BNL.
“The last time we played, Bedford gave us some fits,” he said. “The score wasn’t any indication of how tight some of those matches were.
First to come off the courts for Seymour was Adam Berry, who beat Logan Bland-Chastain 6-0, 6-0.
Emerson said that Berry frustrated his opponent, and was able to use his consistency to not give up a game.
Both doubles teams followed Berry to put the match away.
Will Rinehart and Brandon Hubbard bested Luke Forman and Evan Waggoner 6-3, 7-5 at No. 1 doubles while Sam Schmidt and Andrew Levine beat Cade Provo and Wyatt Scherschel 7-6 (4), 6-2.
“I’m really proud of both of our doubles positions,” Emerson said. “Their No. 1 singles from last time dropped to the No. 1 doubles spot, and they moved their No. 2 singles into the No. 2 doubles. When that happens, you don’t’ know what to expect. It was a close match in both instances, but I’m really happy with them.”
The Owls’ Isaac Hardin was the final point for his team, as he beat Ben Pritchett 6-4, 6-3 at No. 2 singles.
Emerson said that Hardin was able to finish strong after having a couple of mental lapses in his match.
In a marathon match, the Owls’ Trey Hohenstreiter fell to Jacob Bair 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-5 at No. 3 singles.
Seymour’s next HHC opponent, JCHS, defeated Columbus East 3-2 on Monday. The Owls defeated the Panthers 4-1 on Aug. 23.
“I feel good about our situation, but we can’t overlook any team,” Emerson said. “The kids need to keep putting the pedal to the metal, staying aggressive, focused and positive. I like our chances, we have good, athletic kids and we’re playing pretty good tennis right now.”