Warriors take advantage of GHS

Thursday, September 3, 2009

GREENCASTLE --Even though the Tiger Cubs lost their match to Turkey Run, 4-1, on Wednesday, they learned something about themselves.

"I am always surprised every match we play," GHS coach Sara Zirnheld said. "I see different players improve on different things."

One of those players was Landon Miller.

Miller started in his first singles match Wednesday and even though he lost, 6-2, 7-5, he showed some potential.

"This was a nice surprise for this being his first singles match," Zirnheld said. "He is one of those guys that you want on a singles court, because he is fighting for every ball.

"He isn't even doing anything amazing with it, he is just trying to get to the ball and get it back over. And when he does set up for a good shot, he is able to put it away and that is what you want to see for the singles court," Zirnheld added.

Miller lost his first set fairly fast, like most of the singles players did, but he battled back and forced the set to seven and was one of the last players to leave the court.

The one match that Greencastle won was the No.1 doubles. Kenny Buchanan and Cy Spencer defeated Isaal Smith ad Jacob Lutz 6-0, 6-2, and it was no surprise. The duo moved across the court and played like they have been doubles partners for their entire life, but in reality this was something new to them.

"They definitely worked well with each other, since they are used to playing singles," Zirnheld said. "They were able to keep each other motivated and up and going."

Even though she watched her team play their hearts out and hustle the whole time on the court, Zirnheld knows that inexperience is what is hurting the Tiger Cubs.

"It's tough because we are all young," Zirnheld said. "Eight of my 10 players have only been plying for six weeks and that is making it tough for us.

"But on the bright side we don't have any bad habits yet," Zirnheld added. "So we have nothing but good things to build upon for the season."

Greencastle is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Crawfordsville for a 9 a.m. match.

At Greencastle

Turkey Run 4, Greencastle 1

Singles -- 1. Tappan (TR) def. Kass (GHS) 6-0, 6-2, 2. Sowers (TR) def. Miller 6-2, 7-5, 3. Nevins (TR) def. Wilson (GHS) 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles -- 1. Buchanan and Spencer (GHS) def. Smith and Lutz (TR) 6-0, 6-2, 2. Wrightsman and Jefffers (TR) def. Hendrich and Gerad (GHS) 6-1, 6-1.

Next match -- Greencastle is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Crawfordsville for a 9 a.m. match.