Blue Streak Netters Wallop Wildcats

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."