JCHS earns semi berth (05/18/07)

MARION - The Patriots will get their chance to reach a seventh straight sectional title match. But to do it, they'll have to go through the five-time defending champions.

Jay County's girls tennis team gave up no more than four games in any of its victories Thursday as it defeated the Blackford Bruins 4-1 in the opening round of the sectional tournament at Marion.

The win puts the Patriots (8-8) in today's semifinal round, where they will meet Marion at 4:30 p.m. for a berth in Saturday's championship. Jay County upset the host Giants for the crown in 2001, but has lost to them in the finals in each of the last five years.

Marion won this year's regular-season meeting 4-1 over the Patriots on April 10.

The No. 1 doubles pair of Jessica Muhlenkamp and Tiffani Bickle cruised to their victory against the Bruins. They made quick work of Ashley Armstrong and Kristin Watters with a 6-0, 6-0 win.

Cindy Muhlenkamp and Megan Knittle made it a sweep of doubles matches as they clobbered Lisa Pierson and Megan Gross 6-1, 6-2.

Carissa Wilkins and Megan Adams each won their opening set then cruised to 5-0 advantages in the second. Wilkins finished off Samantha Rhoton 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1 singles, and Adams topped Cassie Twibell 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2 singles.

The only defeat of the evening for Jay County came in the No. 2 singles match where Melissa West knocked off Jenna Valentine 6-4, 6-0.[[In-content Ad]]