Tiger Cubs bow out of sectional

GHS freshman Landon Miller was the Tiger Cubs' lone winner at the Northview Sectional Wednesday. Miller defeated David Deatrick 6-0 and 6-2 for the win.

BRAZIL -- The year has been one of learning for the Greencastle boys' tennis team under first year head coach Sara Zirnheld. The Tiger Cubs battled Owen Valley in the first match of the Northview boys' tennis sectional, falling 4-1.

Despite the loss, GHS head coach Sara Zirnheld was impressed with her team and the way they've improved over the course of the season.

"I'm extremely happy," she said. "We looked like a different team compared to the beginning of the season. (Tonight was) a million different types of new shots for them, since they basically came out on the court with one shot. They looked like a different team. I'm extremely happy with them.

"I had no expectations anyway, except for them to get better and have fun. They fulfilled those 110 percent. Even if they had lost all five today, I would have been extremely happy. They have become a much, much better team," Zirnheld said.

Grabbing Greencastle's lone win of the evening was freshman Landon Miller at No. 3 singles. Miller went head-to-head with the Patriots' David Deatrick, winning in straight sets 6-0 and 6-2.

Miller attacked the net, was able to retreat for Deatricks' long shots, but it was the cross shot that was his salvation. Miller was able to connect on shots that crept over the net at angles that Deatrick had no answer for. Miller rushed the net for the final point of the match.

Zirnheld was happy to see a player put together the things she'd been working with them on all season.

"I think he was feeling the fire there a little bit," she commented. "The fire that I've been preaching to them all season, so it's nice to see somebody out there actually doing it."

At No. 1 singles, Kenny Buchanan struggled with Ethan Hoadley on the night. Buchanan was able to put together nice shots, but Hoadley was able to respond and pull out the set. Hoadley won 6-0 and 6-2.

Joey Kass was defeated in his No. 2 singles match against Quinn Wilson. Wilson came away with the win 6-3 and 6-3.

In the doubles matches, Owen Valley was able utilize their size and quick positioning to pick up a pair of wins.

At No. 1 doubles, A.J. Gerard and Matt Hendrich fell to Gabe McHaley and Donovan Jones 6-2 and 6-2. The No. 2 doubles team of Cy Spencer and Kaden Faust suffered the same fate, falling in straight sets 6-1 and 6-0.

Even though the team dropped the match, Zirnheld thinks the tough play and one win is a good building block for the Tiger Cubs.

"It's nice momentum for them at the end of the season," she said. "It's tough when you have a zero winning record and you come off the court disgusted with yourself. It's good they can have a little bit to build on and keep growing."

At Northview

Owen Valley 4, Greencastle 1

Northview Boys' Tennis Sectional

Singles

Hoadley (OV) def. Buchanan (GHS) 6-0, 6-2; Wilson (OV) def. Kass (GHS) 6-3, 6-3; Miller (GHS) def. Deatrick (OV) 6-0, 6-2

Doubles

McHaley/Jones (OV) def. Gerard/Hendrich 6-2, 6-2; Vest/Worland (OV) def. Spencer/Faust (GHS) 6-1, 6-0