Squaws overpower JCHS (04/04/08)

The final team score was the same. But the Patriots were much closer this year than last.

Jay County High School's girls tennis team lost 5-0 to the visiting Bellmont Squaws Thursday, but put together a much more competitive match than in 2007.

A year ago, the Patriots (1-1) managed to win just 12 games in five varsity matches. Thursday, No. 1 singles player Megan Adams nearly matched that herself as she pushed Brean Smith in a 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) defeat.

Tiffani Bickel and Cindy Muhlenkamp played a competitive first set against Quinci Huffine and Abbie Doan at No. 1 doubles, but lost 6-4, 6-2. At No. 2 doubles, Megan Huntsman and Briann Saxman suffered a 6-2, 6-0 loss to Christina Backer and Tory Darling.

In other singles matches in was Mariah Clark losing 6-1, 6-3 to Jessica Basham at No. 2 and Hannah McAbee falling 6-1, 6-2 to Cori Geyer at No. 3.

Junior varsity

The Patriots swept the singles matches to tie Bellmont 3-3.

Jay County's No. 1 and 2 singles players each rolled with Betsy Knittle and Kayla Martin scoring 8-1 wins over Brittany Sanders and Madeline Albert respectively. Kellie Howell defeated Abby Simpson 8-3 for the other JCHS victory.

The closest doubles match for the Patriots came as Ashley Caupp and Katie Link lost 8-3 to Brittany Sanders and Madeline Albert. In other matches the teams of Becky Muhlenkamp and Emily Huntsman, and Brittany White and Mizuki Saito, each lost 8-0 to Nicole Votaw and Jami Basham.[[In-content Ad]]