The Tallulah Falls School middle school tennis teams both picked up road wins Tuesday at Bethlehem Christian.
The middle school Indians won their second match in as many tries, defeating Bethlehem Christian 4-1. Coach Anthony Cox said the match gave the boys a strong early test.
“It was a great opportunity for the boys to go on a long road trip against a GIAA region high school opponent as a precursor to what they will experience next,” Cox said. “Overall, it was a great match. Turner [Lander] and Jase [Cox] were totally dominant, and Matteus [York] had to really battle after leading, then trailing and coming back. While our 1D didn’t come through, losing a tight contest, the 2D played a really solid match for the victory. It was a good test for us that will make us better in the long run.”
For the boys, Matteus York, Turner Lander and Jase Cox each improved to 2-0 in singles play. The No. 1 doubles team of Ethan Alderfer and Eli Pruitt moved to 1-1, while Jackson Ledford and Lucas Bice improved to 2-0 at No. 2 doubles.
The Tallulah Falls middle school girls earned their first victory of the season with a 5-0 win over Bethlehem Christian.
“I can’t say enough positive things about our girls today,” Cox said. “Joanna [Neeley] is playing confident and aggressive tennis and overmatched a more experienced opponent. Alaina [Bray] and Allegra [Perry] had incredibly determined bounce-back performances. The doubles combos really locked in and came prepared to play. We look forward to building on the progress the team is making.”
Joanna Neeley improved to 2-0 at No. 1 singles with an 8-3 win. Alaina Bray won 8-1 at No. 2 singles, and Allegra Perry won 8-2 at No. 3 singles, with both moving to 1-1.
In doubles, Olivia Newkirk and Emery Pruitt won 8-2 at No. 1 doubles, while Sarah Murunga and Tianni Wei won 8-6 at No. 2 doubles. Both doubles teams improved to 1-1.
The Tallulah Falls middle school tennis teams are scheduled to play Habersham on the road Tuesday, Sept. 1.
