PREP ROUNDUP: SP No. 1 doubles team eliminated; WIC sets football crossover games

Monday, October 9, 2017
Austin Arnold (standing) and Tanner Pistelli of South Putnam take a break between sets of their sectional match against Greencastle.
Banner Graphic file photo/JOEY BENNETT

CRAWFORDSVILLE – South Putnam’s No. 1 doubles team of Austin Arnold and Tanner Pistelli competed on Saturday in the individual doubles sectional tournament.

Southmont’s team of Jack Reimondo and Reese Long defeated Arnold and Pistelli by scores of 6-3, 6-3, but SP coach Johnny Briones was not disappointed with his team’s effort.

“Austin and Tanner played to win every point, and never gave up,” Briones said. “Even when they were down in the second set after they lost the first, they continued to play to win every point, which has been the mainstay of the team this season.”

Briones noted that Pistelli and Arnold both improved throughout the season, and he’s looking forward to seeing how well they will play next year.

“Tanner improved tremendously in consistency with his ground stroke, along with changing up his speed and spin on his serves, which kept his opponents guessing,” Briones said. “As a sophomore, he performed with a poise and maturity that not many sophomores possess.”

Arnold is a junior on a team that loses only two of seven players from its sectional championship squad.

“Towards the end of the season, Austin was becoming more consistent with his first serve, improved his ground stroke’s consistency and was a brick wall at the net,” Briones said. “With his height and reach, it was hard for our opponents to find an opening. They both possess amazing hand speed and foot speed and I’ve enjoyed watching some of the incredible points they have won.

“We are glad to have them back next year.”

Briones thoroughly enjoyed his team this fall.

“It’s been an incredible season, and I can’t thank the team enough for all that they have accomplished and for their efforts,” he said. “I believe it will jumpstart our program. As I told them before, next season starts now.”

Football

Football crossovers set – Following Friday night’s final round of action in the Western Indiana Conference, matchups have been set for this week’s crossover round.

First place — Sullivan at Indian Creek

Third place – Northview at Cascade

Fifth place – North Putnam at Cloverdale

Seventh place – West Vigo at Owen Valley

Ninth place – Greencastle at Edgewood

Eleventh place – South Putnam at Brown County

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