The Salem High tennis teams opened their seasons last Thursday against Lord Botetourt. The boys took a 5-4 win on the Hollins University courts and the girls dropped a 7-2 decision at Salem High.
The bottom half of the ladder was the key for the boys, as LB won 8-0 at both first and second singles. The key match was at three as Evan Graybill won a tie-breaker. Dev Patel, Graham Mabe and Thomas Powell won at four through six singles to give Salem a 4-2 lead at that point.
In doubles Salem lost at first and second, but the third doubles team of Mabe and Powell earned the deciding point for the win.
“Teamed for the first time, Thomas and Graham secured the fifth point for the team win,” said Salem coach Steve Lily. “It’s an encouraging start as the warmer weather provides us time to work on our games.”
The girls played a strong LB team in their opener, a 7-2 loss. Salem’s points came when Elisa Nguyen won a tie-breaker at number one singles and Gracie Michael won, 8-5, at six. Elisa has gone from number five last year to number one in singles and Michael first picked up a tennis racquet four weeks ago.
“These were impressive wins by both Elisa and Gracie,” said Salem coach Jill Perez. “We played a very athletic LB team where their top four from last year returned, and our top four from last year graduated.”
The Spartans are off this week for spring break, returning April 2nd with the girls at Cave Spring and the boys hosting the Knights on the SHS courts.
