Tiger Cub number ones fall at regional

Thursday, May 24, 2007
Kelsey Hennette

Staff reports

GREENWOOD -- Greencastle's No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles team's season came to a close Wednesday night, closing the high school career of Kayla Birt.

Although the Tiger Cub team lost in the sectional, Hennette, Birt and Provine advanced to the single/doubles tournament due to their wins in the sectional final.

Birt and Savannah Provine came into the match against Triton Central's Elizabeth Ayres and Jessica Ritchie with hopes to continue their 14-2 season, but it was not meant to be.

"They played very well at times," GHS coach Trish Lowe. "They played great in the first set.

"Kayla (Birt) has been a great team leader and I am proud of her," she added.

Birt and Provine won the opening set 6-2 and seemed well on their way to defeating the Triton Central duo but Ayres and Ritchie roared back and handed GHS a 2-6 second set loss.

Birt and Provine stayed with Ayres and Ritchie hit-for-hit in the third set but fell short, losing 4-6 to end their season with a 14-3 record.

Kelsey Hennette, the GHS No. 1 singles player, dropped her match in straight sets 2-6, 0-6 to Franklin Central's Lauren Delaney. The loss pushed Hennette's season record to 14-3, but left the junior with the desire to improve her game for next season.

"Kelsey was disappointed," Lowe said. "She wanted to play better against her opponent but she knew the other player was a great player.

"She realizes she has plenty of work to do. She was disappointed her season is over."

With the season over, Lowe is looking ahead to the future but acknowledged Birt's departure.

"I'm proud of Savannah and Kelsey. They will have to step up and be leaders next season.

"I'm also proud of Kayla," Lowe continued. "She will be successful long after she leaves us."

At Center Grove

IHSAA Singles/Doubles State Tournament

Singles -- Delaney (FC) def. Hennette (GHS) 6-2, 6-0.

Doubles -- Ayres/Ritchie (TC) def. Birt/Provine (GHS) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

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