No. 5 Kyle Lines defeated Tucker Reynolds 7-6, 10-7. No. 6 won by Xavier Owens as forfeit.
In doubled play, No. 1 Montierth and Gluyas defeated Rapier and Basteen 8-2. No. 2 Bowman and Biggs defeated Scarsella and Lemons 8-4. No. 3 Owens and Lines won in forfeit.
The Bulldogs move to 5-3 overall and are 3-0 in Section 1 of Division 3 play.
Safford’s girls’ varsity tennis swept their matches in straight sets against the Wildkats 9-0. The Bulldogs, coached by Thomas Biggs, move to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in Division 3.
In double matches, No. 1 Peterson and Goodman defeated Kempton and Kempton 9-7. No. 2 David and Barnes defeated Richins and Jernigan 8-1. No. 3 Peterson and Hazel Green defeated Hobbs and Hilton 8-0.
According to Biggs, their success as individual players is based partly on their teamwork.
“They work really well together, they support each other, and encourage each other during practice and at matches,” Biggs said.
Biggs has coached the Bulldogs for four years and has seen his players evolve over those year. According to Biggs, it’s another factor in the team’s success.
Top players like senior Maddison Peterson have been with the team all four years.
“She’s been developing for those four years. She’s very coachable and wants to improve her game. She realizes the things she needs to work on, and she works on them until she is competent in them. She does really well.”
Safford tennis played the Benson Bobcats on March 31, after the paper went to press. The the team will face the Miami Vandals at home on April 1. Play starts at 3 p.m.
