The Wayland boys’ varsity tennis team pulled out a 4-4 tie Wednesday afternoon at Plainwell in a non-league match.
The Wildcats captured victories at No. 4 singles and second, third and fourth doubles.
At 4th singles, Nolan Ritz’s match was even through most of the match, but was able to stay consistent and figure out his opponent and take the match, 8-5.
The second doubles team of Brett Bultsma and Kaden Coughlin won their set 8-0, the thirrd doubles team of Brady Atwell and Elijah Kincaid won 8-0 and the 4th doubles team of Austin Graham and Garrett Spoor also won 8-0.
Both teams agreed to play an 8-game “pro set” due to the 98-degree heat index on court. This would mean that the first player to win 8 games (win by 2) would take the match.
Coach Ben Adams said Christian Sieffert played a great match against a talented No. 1 singles opponent, alternating games through the middle of the set. In the end, Plainwell took the match 8-4.
At 2nd singles, Jackson Chesley fought off a slow start and battled another consistent player for Plainwell. After being down 7-4, Jackson fought off match points to take 2 additional games, but ultimately fell short in the final tally, 8-6.
At 3rd singles, the even-ness continued as Andrew Murphy fought his opponent neck-and-neck through the set. However, in the end, his Trojan opponent also prevailed, by an 8-5 count.
Mark Musgrave and Elijah Dollarhide played a tough team and fell 8-1 at first doubles.
“This is the type of match that, even though not every flight was a win, validates the players skills and provides a shot of confidence in the arm of a team that faces the teeth of the schedule beast, facing GR South Christian, GR Catholic Central, Cedar Springs, Hamilton and TK in the coming weeks,” the coach commented.
