Connersville

It was a Friday night under the lights—spring style—as the Lady Spartans tennis team hosted the Shenandoah Raiders. The match marked the team’s third contest in four days to open the season. Despite early miscues, the Lady Spartans responded well and edged out the Raiders 3-2, improving their record to 2-1 heading into week two of competition. Every position was competitive throughout the night, with no easy points. Singles play proved especially challenging, with long rallies and hard-fought games across the board. At No. 1 singles, Sophia Starr had a strong showing against Jayln Pritchett but fell 4-6, 4-6. Bella Starr secured a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 2 singles over Audrey Marion. At No. 3 singles, Amielya Mays battled shot-for-shot with Brooklyn Busby but came up short, 4-6, 4-6. In doubles action, Cam Butts and Trinitee Steele used solid gameplay to earn a 6-1, 6-2 win over Madison Parrish and Annie Burton at No. 1. The No. 2 duo of Maddie Harrison and Ella Miller relied on strong net play to defeat Rachel Walker and Liz Rice, 6-4, 6-1. In junior varsity competition, Abby Keal fell 2-6 at No. 1 singles to Sofia Gutierrez. Cat Graves earned a 6-3 win at No. 2 singles over Maddy Morgan. At No. 3 singles, Payton Dice dropped a close match to Kegan Watson, 5-7. Dani Abrams picked up a win at No. 4 singles, 6-4. In JV doubles play, the No. 1 team of Whitney Corum and Tessa Kelley fell 3-6 to Kaylee Bump and Caelyn Craig. The No. 2 duo of Sophie Neal and Ella Poe secured a 6-2 victory over Huntyr Surber and Sam Jenkins. At No. 3 doubles, Kami Scott and Rylie Keal battled hard but lost 4-6 to Rylee Anderson and Christina Lopez. The No. 4 team of Madison Smith and Lorelei Hughes, along with the No. 5 duo of Addy Storms and Eileen Wang, fell 0-6 in their matches. The Lady Spartans (2-1), along with the junior varsity team also at 2-1, will return to the road on Tuesday, April 14, for an EIAC matchup against South Dearborn at 5:30 p.m. Connersville will then host Oldenburg on Wednesday, April 15, at 5:00 p.m. The week concludes with another EIAC road matchup at Greensburg on Friday, April 17, where the Lady Spartans will face the Lady Pirates at 5:30 p.m.