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Highlands Today

Streaks Open Strong, Wallop 'Cats

Mark Pinson, Highlands Today

Sebring junior Vihangb Nakhate returns a forehand during Monday's match against Hadee at the Thakkar Tennis Center.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: February 18, 2009

SEBRING - The Sebring boys and girls tennis teams opened the high school season with a bang against Hardee on Monday afternoon.

The Blue Streak boys blasted the Wildcats by a score of 7-0 on the clay courts of the Thakkar Tennis Center, while the girls did the same at Sun 'N Lake Country Club.

Leading the way for the Sebring boys at No. 1 singles was senior Abhi Seetharamiah, who defeated Hardee senior Joe Porter 6-4, 6-2, while junior Mike Reed rolled past Wildcat sophomore Dylan Justice by a score of 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 singles.

Blue Streak junior Kyle Komisar won No. 3 singles over Hardee sophomore Kyle Bodeck in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 and junior Nikhil Raghuveera breezed past Hardee's Dusty Spears at No. 4 singles by scores of 6-0, 6-1.

In No. 5 singles, Sebring junior Vihang Nakhate edged Hardee sophomore Justin Fones 6-3, 6-1, despite cutting his finger while opening a can of balls before his match.

At No. 1 doubles, Seetharamiah and Komisar cruised past Porter and Justice 8-3, while Reed and Andrew Midence won No. 2 doubles 8-3.

"It was a great way to start the season," said third-year Blue Streak coach Jack Holt. "I've never seen a team so sharp for the first match of the season.

"I'm so proud of this group of guys because they have worked so hard on their games and it looks like we're going to have a lot of fun this season."

The Sebring girls were paced by junior Kelsie Johnson, who cruised past Hardee's Clara Durrance in No. 1 singles by scores of 6-0, 7-5, while freshman Kaley Walter won No. 2 singles over Amanda Porter 6-3, 6-3.

Blue Streak senior Alyssa Kariofyllis outlasted Hardee's Shelby Durrance at No. 3 singles by scores of 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, while junior Kelsey Tucker rolled past Wildcat Kayla Woods 6-0, 6-2.

Sebring junior Shana Bassett held off Kate Krause at No. 5 singles 6-1, 6-7, 6-4.

In No. 1 doubles action, Johnson and Walter defeated Clara Durrance and Porter 6-3, 6-3, while Kariofyllis and Bassett eased past Shelby Durrance and Woods 6-2, 7-6.

"I'm proud of the girls because we've got a fairly young team and they were able to funnel their nervous energy into wins," said veteran Blue Streak coach Janie Hollinger. "Our girls with match experience led us and it was a wonderful way to start the season."

The Sebring boys and girls are back on the court on Thursday when they host district rival Braden River.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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