For The Tribune
Even though the Seymour boys’ tennis team won at both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles, the Owls dropped their other three matches and lost to Bedford North Lawrence 3-2 on Friday in Hoosier Hills Conference Tournament play.
The Owls finished sixth in the conference as a result.
At No. 1 singles Owls junior Alex Berry beat Logan Treanor handily 6-0, 6-0.
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Owls coach Brad Emerson was pleased to see Alex beat Treanor who had beaten him earlier in the season.
At No. 1 doubles Owls’ Josiah Rudge and Grant Handloser won a hard-fought match against the Stars’ Jarod Deckard, and Ian Dillman, 6-4, 6-4.
The next closest singles match was at No. 2 singles, where sophomore Ty McCory battled but lost 6-4, 7-6 (4) to the Stars’ Brandt Callahan.
“Ty competed well,” Owls coach Brad Emerson. “Just one break of serve, here or there was the difference.”
At No. 3 singles, Owls freshman Adam Berry lost 6-0, 6-3 to Bryce Gilbert: a player Adam had beaten previously.
Emerson said he has been pleased with Adam’s play and his record thus far into the season, but felt he had a rough night.
The Owls’ No. 2 doubles team of Hao Li and Sam Voss lost to the Stars’ Pace Siedl and Corbin Bushey 6-0, 6-1
Emerson said he found some positives with his team, and some things they need to work on.
“On a positive note (Alex) Berry is playing better at No. 1 singles,” Emerson said. ”Alex has found his rhythm and has played better the last few matches. One thing we’ve got to do better (as a team) is hit through our shots.
“We were playing scared. We had our racket speed down too much. We were hoping the other kid would make the mistake. We need to take charge and dictate the point.”
The Owls (6-11) will play in a double dual today in Bedford to help prepare them for next week’s sectional.
“We need to make sure we come out ready to play,” Emerson said. “All five spots will be critical in the sectional. We have a very competitive sectional.”
Monday evening, the Seymour Sectional parings will be announced.