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Pirates Plunder Blue Streaks

Mark Pinson, Highlands Today

Sebring junior Vihang Nikhate returns a forehand during a recent match.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: March 28, 2009

Updated: 03/28/2009 09:03 am

BRADEN RIVER - A road trip to Braden River was not the best way for the Sebring boys and girls tennis teams to head into spring break.

The Blue Streak boys were blanked by the Pirates by a score of 7-0 on Thursday afternoon, while the Sebring girls were edged out by a score of 4-3.

Braden River got off to a good start in the boys match as Sagen Balayan knocked off Sebring's Abhi Seetharamiah at No. 1 singles by scores of 6-1, 6-1, while Pirate Mitchell Nangolis eased past Nikhil Raghuveera at No. 2 singles, 6-3, 6-3.

At No. 3 singles, Braden River's Michael Stebain defeated Vihang Nikhate, 6-1, 6-1 and Blue Streak Chris Horta lost at No. 4 singles 2-6, 1-6.

At No. 5 singles, Sebring's Spencer Caton lost a 2-6, 2-6 decision and Braden River won both singles matches to seal the Class 2A-District 9 match.

"Braden River is a very talented team," said Sebring coach Jack Holt. "We didn't have all of our players so some of our guys had to play at different positions.

"I think we were a little intimidated by Braden River and I hope we learned a lesson from playing them."

The loss dropped the Blue Streaks to 11-2 on the season, while the Pirates improved to 11-0.

"Braden River has good depth through out their lineup," said Holt. "We don't play them again until the district tournament and now we have an idea of how they like to play.

"We're pretty solid from the baseline, but we're going to work on our short game and coming to the net over the spring break so we'll be ready to play our best at the district tournament in three weeks."

In the girls match, Sebring freshman Kaley Walter posted a solid win at No. 2 singles, April Wallace won No. 5 singles and Blue Streaks Kelsey Tucker and Shana Bassett won No. 2 doubles.

"It was a close match that could have gone either way," said Sebring coach Janie Hollinger. "We played tough, but Braden River is a good team and the ball fell their way today."

The loss dropped the Blue Streaks to 11-2 on the season.

"We have a young team and they have already exceeded my expectations," said Hollinger. "The girls are working hard on every aspect of their games and after we come back from spring break we've got two matches before the district tournament.

"I'm sure the girls will come back from the break rested and ready to go."

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

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