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Blue Streak Netters Wallop Wildcats

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Sebring junior Mike Reed breezed to a win at No. 1 singles in Monday's district match against Hardee.

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Highlands Today Staff Report

Published: February 25, 2009

WAUCHULA - Despite missing its No. 1 singles player Abhi Seetharamiah, who was out with an arm injury, the Sebring boys tennis team rolled past Hardee 7-0 on Monday afternoon at the city courts.

Leading the way for the Blue Streaks at No. 1 singles was junior Mike Reed, who outlasted Wildcat senior Joe Porter by scores of 6-3, 7-5, while junior Kyle Komisar held off Hardee sophomore Dylan Justice, 6-1, 6-2.

"I'm really proud of Mike because he stepped up and played a solid match for us," said third-year Sebring coach Jack Holt. "Abhi's arm is hurting him and he wasn't able to play, but Mike stayed focused and finished off his match in straight sets.

"Kyle had a steady effort in his match and just keeps getting better."

At No. 3 singles, Sebring junior Nikhil Raghuveera breezed past Wildcat sophomore Kyle Bodeck, 6-1, 6-2 and Blue Streak junior Vihang Nakhate outlasted Hardee's Dusty Spears at No. 4 singles by scores of 0-6, 6-0, 7-5.

"Vihang was so nervous," said Holt. "After that first set, he regrouped and was able to settle down and played some good tennis.

"Nikhil has improved a lot and is only going to get better."

Sebring's Brian Miller defeated Hardee sophomore Justin Fones at No. 5 singles, 6-1, 6-0.

"Brian was so excited to win his very first varsity match," said Holt. "We're fortunate to have a lot of depth on the team and that's going to pay off in the long run."

Komisar and Raghuveera held off Porter and Justice at No. 1 double by scores of 6-2, 6-0 and Reed and Chris Horta won No. 2 doubles in a pro set by a score of 8-4.

The Class 2A-District 9 win improved Sebring to 3-0 on the season and the Blue Streaks are back on the court on Thursday with a match against Avon Park at South Florida Community College.

"I'm pleased with our performance against Hardee because we had a bunch of guys playing in different positions," said Holt. "We have a lot of talent on this team and if we just keep playing hard, we could do some good things this year."

The Highlands Today sports department can be reached at 863-386-5841 or sports@highlandstoday.com.

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