Isla Gorham
After a two-week break, the Racket Jackets returned to action and swept the boys’ and girls’ matches at Scott County on Monday, April 15, in Georgetown.
The boys’ squad won four matches and lost one against the Cardinals. Mo Hash led the way at No. 1 singles, beating James Hopwood, 6-0, 6-0. Jackson Pernice played the longest match of the night but came away with the win in the No. 2 singles match, 6-3, 6-4 over Jacob Eads. Jackson Johnson lost the No. 3 singles match to Noah Lumpkins, 5-8. Simon Swansegar and Nick Ruzzene won the No. 1 doubles match over Juan Ruiz and Jack McMillen, 6-0, 6-1. Blake Bishop and Sean Williams blanked Lumpkins and Barrett McCann, 8-0 in the No. 2 doubles match.
Ruzzene talked about having a two-week break thanks to spring break and a week of rain last week, which did not allow much practice time for the WCHS team.
“I try to take my time and ease back into action,” said Ruzzene. “Once I get a few swings in and find my technique again, things fall back into place, and I feel comfortable hitting the ball again. Compared to other teams we have played so far, Simon and I look like we have a shot at a regional title this year. We have to keep working, but I feel we are confident in our abilities, which will be a good test for us.”
The girls’ squad beat the Lady Cardinals, 4-2. Cassidy Stiefel won the No. 1 singles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0 over Anna Marie Biddle. Islan Gorham won the No. 2 singles match over Meryl Walrod. Gorham led 6-1 when Walrod retired for the match. Abigail Caine won the No. 3 singles match over Alijah Koch, 8-4. Piper Reed and Emma Kate Miller lost the No. 1 doubles match to Giorgia Bassi and Kate Schinder, 0-6, 0-6. Nicole Davis and Maddie Papero lost the No.2 doubles match to Haleigh Pearson and Ellen Mueller, 5-8. Olivia Branstetter and Joey Pereslucka won the No.3 doubles match over Kiley Chapley and Maggie McMillan 8-2.