Tiger Cubs tennis wins first dual match of the year

Greencastle junior Jason Ummel blasts a backhand during the first set of his match on Monday. Ummel went on to win 6-0, 6-2. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

The Greencastle boys' tennis team showed off some of the depth and experience it gained last season during its first dual match of the year at home on Monday. The Tiger Cubs beat Edgewood 3-2 and picked up wins at No. 3 singles and Nos. 1 and 2 doubles.

Junior Jason Ummel was dominant at three-singles. He was in control throughout his 6-0, 6-2 win over Mitch Williamson.

The Tiger Cubs (1-0) have an extremely deep roster, head coach Sam Hirt said, with five players capable of slotting in at No. 1 singles. While this could limit GHS as the top of the lineup, it gives the team an excellent chance to get team wins with doubles playing a big part.

The No. 1 doubles team of juniors Jake Mangrum and Adam Gerard won their match against Trevor Moore and Zeb Thrasher 6-2, 6-2 and the No. 2 doubles team of freshman Nathan Gobert and senior Lucas Eckrich won in split sets, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 against Ryan Braunlin and Andy Craig.

Greencastle's much-improved play can be attributed to work during the winter and offseason, Hirt said, as many of the players made a point to get better.

It worked as GHS didn't get its first win last year until beating South Putnam midway through the season.

The Tiger Cubs' two losses came at No. 1 and No. 2 singles.

At first singles junior Kaleb Fleming lost to Mitchell Wampler 6-0, 6-1 and at two singles junior Christian Ritchey lost to Michael Niemi 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Greencastle will try to keep its momentum going on Wednesday at Rockville at 5 p.m.