Greencastle in sectional final

Friday, May 18, 2012
GHS No. 1 singles player Haylie Romer returns the ball during her straight set win over Erin Holbert Thursday.

BRAZIL -- Greencastle continues its march toward winning the sectional tennis title after dispatching South Vermillion 3-2 Thursday. The Tiger Cubs will face host Northview, who defeated South Putnam 4-1 to earn a spot in the finals.

Greencastle was coming off a win over a 4-1 win over Owen Valley the night before and rode the momentum into Thursday against the Wildcats. The Tiger Cubs recorded a win, but it was anything but smooth sailing.

Haylie Romer cruised for the second night in a row to a victory, defeating South Vermillion's Erin Holbert 6-0, 6-2. Romer's calm demeanor served her well as she remaining level throughout the match and was able to give the Tiger Cubs their first win on the night.

The No.1 doubles team of Carlie Harlan and Sabrina Arnold logged Greencastle's second win of the night by defeating Michelle Pepelea and Ashley Farrington 6-4, 6-0.

Greencastle's third win of the night came at No. 3 singles where Kayla Chadd, battling though being ill, fought and defeated Marrissa Vandergriff in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.

The No. 2 doubles team of Bailey Brewer and Katie Burns lost to Caitlyn Hire and Katellyn Roberts 6-4, 6-4

Although the match was already decided, No. 2 singles player Harriet Watson played through her match as if a team win rested on its outcome. Despite giving it everything she had, Watson lost to Taylor Spires 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Greencastle head coach Sally Martin said her team came out, played hard and as a result was able to come away with a victory.

"Carlie and Sabrina, again very focused," Martin said. "Kayla was battling a little bit of a stomach thing tonight, so it made her a little off, but she fought through that. Haylie does what Haylie does. She went out there and concentrated and got the job done. She adapts very well -- very consistent.

"I'm so proud of my girls. They're a class act," Martin said.

Greencastle will face Northview tonight at 5 p.m. in the sectional championship.

At Northview

Singles

No. 1: Romer (GHS) def. Holbert (SV) 6-0, 6-2

No. 2: Spires (SV) def. Watson (GHS) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2

No. 3: Chadd (GHS) def. Vandergriff (SV) 6-4, 6-4

Doubles

No. 1: Harlan/Arnold (GHS) def. Pepelea/Farrington (SV) 6-4, 6-0

No. 2: Hire/Roberts (SV) def. Brewer/Burns (GHS) 6-4, 6-4