Jay County tops Argylls, advances to semis (05/19/06)

MARION — The Patriots are just one win away from yet another appearance in the sectional championship.

Jay County’s girls tennis team moved a step closer to a sixth consecutive championship match Thursday, defeating the Madison-Grant Argylls in the opening round of the Marion sectional. The Patriots’ last title came in 2001, and they have lost to the host Giants in the finals in each of the last four seasons.

They will meet the Blackford Bruins, who they lost to 3-2 during the regular season, in semifinal action at Marion today at 4:30 p.m.

Strength at doubles lifted Jay County (5-12) to its opening win.

Tiffani Bickel and Cindy Muhlenkamp had little trouble in their No. 2 doubles victory over Stephanie Powell and Becca Carey. They cruised to a shut-out in the opening set on the way to a 6-0, 6-2 win.

Megan Knittle and Jessica Muhlenkamp fought off Natalie Chapel and Traci Morgan in the opening set at No. 1 doubles before controlling the second. They completed the doubles sweep with a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Carissa Wilkins finished off the win at No. 2 singles. She matched the effort from Bickel and Muhlenkamp, giving up just two games in a 6-2, 6-0 win.

At No. 3 singles Megan Adams fell 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Casi Beal. Angie Stults dropped the first set 6-4 to Katie Croaff at No. 1 singles and retired trailing 3-0 in the second.[[In-content Ad]]