Panthers Start With Solid Home Win
NAPPANEE – After concluding with a historic season in 2018, the NorthWood girls tennis team opened the 2019 campaign in similar fashion.
NorthWood claimed a 4-1 tennis win Thursday against Elkhart Central in its season opener. After reaching the regional finals last spring, the Panthers started off hot in its 2019 quest.
Reegan Miller opened the season with a bang, shutting out Kelli Lochmandy at one singles while Alex Jesse added some punch at No. 2 with a one and one roll of Paige Phelps. Three singles went the distance, but NorthWood’s Gretchen Adams stuck it out for a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2) marathon with Jullian Hayward.
NorthWood had already claimed the team win before Adams’ victory when its No. 2 doubles pairing of Caroline Mullet and Kate Stillson picked up its first win in a three and two result over Amy Wyse and Brynn Green. Central’s only breakthrough came at one doubles, where Rylee Wilfong and Abby Phelps went three sets to put away Riley Graber and Lauren Mikel 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
Central found more footing in JV play, particularly in doubles courts, to take seven of the 11 matchups. The Blazers won five of the seven doubles matchups. NorthWood countered with wins from Paige Henschen and Abigail Richner, and Maya Engbrecht and Leslie Olvera. The Panthers also got singles wins from Abigail Vorhis and Jessica Kramp.
NorthWood (1-0) will be off until April 9 when it meets Fairfield.