GHS girls' tennis falls in Northview Sectional

Madison Trout reaches for a return as she battles against Northview in the sectional championship on Friday. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

BRAZIL -- After earning decisive victories in both its sectional matches, the Tiger Cub girls' tennis team finally met its match in Northview during the IHSAA sectional match.

Though the Tiger Cubs gave the host team all they could muster, with two matches going three sets and one ending with a tie-breaker, GHS still fell 5-0 on Friday.

"It's always tough with a team when there is an ending to something," GHS coach Kevin Rowe said. "We are young. I think they are excited to come back."

Rowe said with many of his Tiger Cubs playing multiple sports, the biggest difference has been watching the athletes get into tennis form as the year progresses.

"A lot of the girls that worked hard and play a lot in the offseason came into this season with pretty high expectations," Rowe said. "When we started, some of them were just getting back into it. But from where we started to now I'm extremely happy. The girls put in a lot of work and effort to be the best they could be. I think it showed."

In the No. 2 singles spot Rachel Chadd pushed her opponent to three sets, winning the second 6-4 before falling 6-4 in set three.

Madi Trout in the No. 3 singles match went to a tie-breaker in the second set where Trout fell 5-7, 6-7 (7-9).

The No. 1 doubles team of Lily Spencer and Lydia Trout also went to a third set with its Northview opponents winning 6-4 in the first set but then falling 2-6, 3-6.

Bailey Zapp and the team of Kaylea Torr and Alex Weliever both lost in two sets in the No. 1 singles and No. 2 doubles slots respectively.

Rowe believes that if the expectations for this senior-less team are going to be high next year it will take a little offseason work to competitive.

"I have a lot of girls that play volleyball. So it's going to be important, if we have this high expectation next year and compete at the high level for the girls to be out there hitting a little in the offseason," Rowe said. "We are excited for everyone to come back and challenge at an even higher level. Maybe even regional."

IHSAA Northview Sectional

Grencastle 0, Northview 5

Singles

1. Bailey Zapp loses 0-6, 0-6

2. Rachel Chadd loses 5-7, 6-4, 4-6

3. Madison Trout loses 5-7, 6-7 (7-9)

Doubles

1. Lily Spencer & Lydia Trout lose 6-4, 2-6, 3-6

2. Kaylea Torr & Alex Weliever lose 1-6, 3-6