JASPER — Fifth-ranked Columbus North battled back from a 2-0 deficit to tie No. 4 Evansville Memorial at two matches apiece Saturday, but the Tigers rallied for a three-set win at No. 3 singles to pull out a 3-2 victory in the Jasper Semistate.
“This was a tough loss to take,” North coach Kendal Hammel said. “We were in control of match and made it hard on ourselves.”
Memorial took an early lead when Margo Throop and Abigail Myers, who were in the state doubles finals in 2019, beat Jaline Tay and Tiffany Fu 6-0, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles. The Tigers’ Eleanor Myers, who is one of the favorites to win this year’s state singles title, then topped Ashlie Wilson 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1 singles.
The Bull Dogs (20-3) got on the board when Kathryn Wilson beat Chase Boyer 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2 singles to finish undefeated this season.
“Kathryn played very well against a strong player,” Hammel said.
North evened the match when Leah George and Sydney Cooper picked up a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win against Anna Clark and Sadie Schulz at No. 2 doubles.
“Had a nice first set and then really let our energy level and play drop down for a poor second set,” Hammel said. “Came back strong and more aggressive in third set to get the win.”
That left it up to No. 3 singles. The Bull Dogs’ Arya Gotoh won the first set 6-4 and lost the second set 6-3 to Sara Beckwith. Beckwith jumped ahead 3-0, 4-1 and 5-2 in the third set, and after Gotoh fought off a couple match points, finished off the set at 6-2.
“Came down to this match and it just got away from us,” Hammel said. “Second set, made too many unforced errors. Third set, the EM girl just kept pushing the ball back, and we got behind 0-3, then 1-4. Had a couple of big points that got away from us down 2-5. Battling from behind held off two, match points, but was outplayed in the end on our errors.”
Tay is the lone graduating senior from North’s regular lineup.
“Was a disappointing loss, but a lot to be proud of,” Hammel said. “Finished 20-3, ranked top-five in state, losing only one senior, great experience for several girls playing varsity for first time this year. Looking to come back stronger and better next year.”
