Marysville’s Haden Fluharty returns the ball over the net against Dublin Coffman on Thursday.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Like most high school spring sports teams and coaches, Marysville boys tennis boss Brian Ash and his squad have been battling the elements this year.
The Monarchs have had some matches postponed due to weather and took just a 2-2 record into Thursday afternoon’s contest against Dublin Coffman.
MHS lost to the Shamrocks by a score of 5-0.
Results from the match were as follows:
Singles
-Berling (DC) defeated Haden Fluharty (M) 6-3, 7-5;
-Lin (DC) downed Joel Sheeley (M) 6-1, 6-3;
-Frank (DC) beat Sameer Parashar (M) 6-0, 6-0.
Doubles
-Brooks-Powell (DC) defeated Alexander Seiltz-Devin Kyle (M) 6-2, 6-1;
-Bakunin-Sun (DC) beat Sam Balderson-Jacob Piper (M) 6-1, 6-1.
Despite the slight lag in matches, Ash has seen improvement in his team.
He cited two singles athletes in particular.
“Hayden has improved a ton over last year,” said Ash. “His mental game has improved and he has developed consistent, punishing ground strokes.
“Joel has athleticism and he’s developed a very consistent stroke.”
Ash said a more aggressive approach to the court has helped the Monarchs at times this season.
“We’re much more aggressive with our shot selections,” he said. “Hopefully, that will pan out for us as we move toward the end of the regular season.”
Ash said he has also seen strides in players’ in-match strategy and court movement.
“We’re covering the court much better than we did last year,” he said. “However, there’s always room for improvement.”
Ash said he hopes the Monarch can be over the .500 mark by the end of the regular season.
“We just want to continue to push the fundamentals of the game to all of our players,” he said.
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Pioneers win
Jonathan Alder notched a 4-1 triumph over Kenton Ridge on Thursday.
Singles
-Brandon Dembek (J) defeated Kronour (KR) 6-0, 6-1;
-Thompson (KR) topped Evan Collins (J) 6-2, 3-6, 6-1;
-Ethan Cox (J) downed Campbell (KR) 6-2, 6-2.
Doubles
-Connor Dembek/Riley Woods (J) defeated Wood/Tyson (KR) 6-3, 6-4;
-Guiseppe Petrella/Zach Headings (J) beat Arens/Leffel (KR) 6-1, 6-3.