Connersville

The Lady Spartans took to the road Friday night for their final regular-season match, traveling to Waldron for the first girls tennis meeting between the two schools. In a battle-tested contest, Connersville had to match the Mohawks’ aggressive play and precise ball placement to keep pace throughout the evening. As the match wore on, strong performances across the lineup helped the Spartans close the regular season on a high note heading into postseason play. Connersville earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the host Mohawks, with the third and deciding point coming in a three-set battle at No. 3 singles. At No. 1 singles, Sophia Starr defeated Riley Thurston 6-0, 6-2. Bella Starr followed with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 win over Ava Leising at No. 2 singles. The decisive point came from Amielya Mays, who rallied for a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Leah Kuhn at No. 3 singles. In doubles play, the No. 1 team of Cam Butts and Trinitee Steele fell 3-6, 2-6 to Emerson Lindsey and Jackie Corlett. At No. 2 doubles, Maddie Harrison and Ella Miller dropped a 5-7, 1-6 decision to Malia Murphy and Hannah Rouse. In junior varsity singles action, Abby Keal earned an 8-4 win over Madeline Walker at No. 1 singles, while Cat Graves defeated Ruby English 8-3 at No. 2 singles. Frances Kelly fell 4-8 to Lillian Mann at No. 3 singles. In JV doubles play, the No. 1 duo of Sophie Neal and Tessa Kelley edged Taylor Stewart and Kate Kuhn 8-7 (7-2). The No. 2 team of Ella Poe and Addy Storms defeated Taylor Stewart and Lorelie Wagner 6-4. The Spartans finished the regular season with a 13-6 overall record and a 5-2 mark in the EIAC. The junior varsity squad concluded its season at 10-4-1 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play. Connersville will return to action Wednesday, May 20, when it hosts Sectional 22 beginning at 5 p.m. The Spartans will face Union County, while Franklin County and Rushville will meet in the other semifinal. The winners will advance to the sectional championship match on Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m.