EATON — After opening the week with a sweep of West Carrollton, Eaton’s girls’ tennis team hit a rough stretch as the Eagles fell to Greenville and Oakwood, 5-0.
Against West Carrollton, on Monday, Aug. 28, Sophia Murphy won in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, as did Tess Murphy and Quinlyn Sittloh at second and third singles.
In doubles play, Madison McKinley and Addie Bell won 6-2, 6-4 and Katelyn Niehaus and Brianna Ward won 6-0, 6-1.
On Tuesday, the Eagles ran into a very strong Greenville team, according to coach John Hitchcock, and failed to ride the wave they’ve been on lately.
“Freshman first singles Sophia Murphy was able to come back from a 1-4 deficit in the second set showing some real fight. Unfortunately, she came up short in the third, but played a strong offensive style that will help her in the future,” Hitchcock said. “
Hitchcock said his first doubles team also made a strong push in their second set. After being down 1-4, they won five games in row.
“The problem, Greenville stepped up their game when it mattered most and made the bigger plays,” Hitchcock said.
First singles: Natalie Milligan beat Sophia Murphy 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
Second singles: Anna Manges beat Tess Murphy 6-2, 6-1
Third singles: Emily Marchal beat Quinlynn Sittloh 6-3, 6-0
First doubles: Abby Swensen and Addie Haupt beat Madison McKinley and Addie Bell 6-1, 7-5
Second doubles: Alison Baughman and Casey Malott beat Katelyn Niehaus and Brianna Ward 6-1, 6-2.
On Thursday, Eaton traveled to league power Oakwood, and despite being swept, Hitchcock felt his team played well.
“However, even with the 0-5 score, (we) played some really good tennis,” Hitchcock said.
The second doubles team of Niehaus and Ward had a competitive match. The duo was up 5-4 in the first set but could just not find a way to close out the set.
Then they showed some resiliency by coming back from being down 1-4 and getting it to 4-all in the 2nd set. But once again, was unable to reach the finish line.
“Even in the loss, I think every player can take something from her match and put it to use in future matches. This was just a case where the better team won today,” Hitchcock said. “You don’t have to like it, but you move on and hope to improve for the next one.”
Eaton (4-3, 1-2 SWBL) was scheduled to host Carlisle on Tuesday, Sept. 5. They will travel to Middletown Madison on Wednesday and host Brookville on Thursday.