Criss and Davis fall at regional

GREENWOOD -- The tennis season came to an end for South Putnam seniors Cassie Davis and Megan Criss Tuesday night, but not before they accomplished something no Eagle tennis players had done before.

Although the duo lost to Greenwood's team of Pittman and Hannah, 6-0, 6-1, South Putnam coach Johnnie Briones could not hide his pride in his players.

"It's just amazing. They were the first ever tennis team at South Putnam to go to regional. That in and of itself was a huge accomplishment," Briones said. "For Cassie and Megan to go a step further, especially as seniors -- what a way to go out."

But the coach isn't just proud of Davis and Criss and their 8-2 record, he is proud of his entire team, especially the six seniors he is losing.

"I'm just very proud of those two and the rest of the seniors as well. It's been a fantastic season," Briones said.

As for Tuesday's match, the coach said some intimidating surroundings and a very good opponent played a big role in the outcome.

"They were pretty anxious. The facility alone is impressive. They have 12 courts and a clubhouse," Briones said. "It's just an amazing facility and we were in awe.

"We played a very good opponent," he continued. "It was just a different style of play. They hit extremely hard and caught us off guard at first. But I think they settled down. We had some really good points. It's not like it was a complete blowout."

Looking back on the year, Briones sees a lot of things he can take pride in. Not only did Criss and Davis set new standards for the program, the entire team, with its 9-2 record, they had the best season for any in South's history.

"I was just so proud of them to make it that far and I just can't say enough about those two and the rest of the seniors as well," Briones concluded.

Greencastle's Kelsey Hennette will play in individual regional action at 5 p.m. today at Center Grove.

At Center Grove

Girls' Tennis Regional

Doubles -- Pittman/Hannah (Gw) def. Criss/Davis (SP) 6-0, 6-1.