Streaks blast Bulldogs

The Sebring boys tennis team kept its early-season momentum rolling by thrashing DeSoto by a score of 6-1 on Thursday at the wind-swept Blue Streak courts.

The win improved Sebring to 3-0-1 on the season, with the tie coming against Lake Wales in a match that was halted because of rain.

"It was a good win for us," said Blue Streaks boys tennis coach Jack Holt. "It was very cold and windy, but the guys kept their focus and played well in some very tough conditions.

"We're playing well, but the guys are getting a little complacent and we need to keep working hard to improve because we'll be playing much tougher competition at the district tournament."

Sebring senior Mike Reed cruised to an easy win at No. 1 singles over Ramando Angels by a score of 6-2, 6-4, Blue Streak senior Kyle Komisar breezed past Gary Gammad at No. 2 singles, 6-2, 6-1.

At No. 3 singles, Sebring senior Nikhil Raghuveera held off Bulldog Ryan Blackledge, 6-1, 6-2, at No. 4 singles, Brian Miller blanked Darren Mott, 6-0, 6-0 and Andrew Midence defeated DeSoto's Tyler Brown at No. 5 singles by scores of 6-0, 6-3.

At No. 1 doubles, Sebring's Reed and Andrew Keith won 8-4 over Angels and Gammad and the Blue Streaks lost at No. 2 doubles.

"It's nice to get the win and we were able to get several of our freshmen some playing time in some exhibition matches," Holt said. "We have to develop our depth because you never know when someone's going to get sick or injured during the season.

"We have a good team, but we can't be satisfied or we won't reach our full potential."

Sebring is back on the court Monday with an away match at Hardee High School.

Sebring blanks DeSoto

ARCADIA - The Sebring girls tennis team made the long drive to DeSoto High School worth the effort by beating the Bulldogs by a score of 7-0 on Thursday afternoon.

Sebring senior Kelsie Johnson defeated Katie Coulding at No. 1 singles, 6-0, 2-0 (retired), sophomore Kaley Walter knocked off Kayla Muse at No. 2 singles by scores of 6-4, 6-1, while Blue Streak senior Shana Bassett breezed past Emma Buenrostro at No. 3 singles, 6-0, 6-0.

At No. 4 singles, Sebring freshman Joy Donglasan held off Laura Rodriguez by scores of 6-3, 6-2 and Blue Streak freshman Lauren Taylor outlasted Alijandra Plymale at No. 5 singles by scores of 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4.

At No. 1 singles, Johnson and Walter combined to defeat Muse and Buenrostro, 8-1, while Bassett and Donglasan eased past Rodriguez and Plymale by a score of 8-1 at No. 2 doubles to complete the sweep for the Blue Streaks.

"The girls played well in very windy conditions," said Sebring girls tennis coach Janie Hollinger. "We continue to work hard to improve and I'm proud of all the girls."

Sebring is back in action Thursday with an away match at Clewiston.

GIRLS TENNIS: Clewiston edges Lake Placid

CLEWISTON - The Lake Placid girls tennis squad, which continues to improve with each match, played tough against Clewiston before finally losing 4-3 to the Tigers on Thursday afternoon.

"The girls did an outstanding job," said Green Dragons girls tennis coach Jennifer Gough. "We are improving every time we step on the court and we look forward to our match with Clewiston here at home."

Lake Placid's Johneesia Sholtz and Weslee Davis won their singles matches and Green Dragon sophomore Jalitza Serrano and Davis combined to win their doubles match.

Lake Placid is back on the court on Tuesday with a home match against Avon Park.

The Heartland Conference Tennis tournament is coming up March 12-13 and all of the local teams will be in action.

Sebring High School is hosting the girls competition, while Avon Park will host the boys competition.