Both ‘Cane Tennis Teams Eliminated

The Monticello boy’s tennis team lost their match 3-1 to Dodge County.

Dodge’s number one singles defeated Robert Pulliam 6-3 and 6-1. Dodge also won the number one doubles 7-5 and 7-5 in a good and close match. Bre Herrington and Matt Loftis had an opportunity to win in this match, had match-point on several occasions, and just were not able to put them off.

In the number two singles Brandon Deraney played well by breaking his opponent down and won both matches 6-1 and 6-1.

In the number two doubles the ‘Canes fielded two freshmen who knew they had to win, but under the pressure, they lost 6-0 and 6-2.

Phillips Workman was actually leading his singles match 3-2 when the match was called, because even with a win the team would still have been down 3-2.

Head Tennis Coach Paul Stokes said, “We had a lot of real close shots right at the line, but the team played very well. I kind of knew it would come down to one of the two doubles matches that would determine it. But I was real proud of the guys.

“We had no seniors and we have all players returning next year. We were Region Champions and I told the kids it had been a good year. We would have like to make it out of the first round, but I saw a lot of good things throughout the year. We came a long way and next year our goal will be to win the region again and get through the first round.”

The Lady ‘Canes traveled to Screven County, where a very good team defeated them 5-0.

Coach Stokes said, “We left early, had lunch and played at two. Their team is very good, one of the top teams in the state. We played all matches at the same time. It was one of those situations where we saw what real tennis was all about. I told the girls we had seen the best tennis team we had seen this year.

“Their team won every match versus boys and girls teams from our region. Even though the girls lost they had a good attitude about it and getting the opportunity to play and felt like they would be back again next year.”

The girls lose two seniors, Grace Aldrige and Amanda Aultman. Also, Abigail Starkey is moving away.