Netters drop close match

By TONY STINNETT, Courier Sports Editor

Cannon County put together one of its most competitive matches but suffered setbacks against neighboring Warren County.

The Lionettes dropped a tough 4-3 decision, and the Lions fell 5-2.

Sarah Hickman defeated Katie Phillips at No. 1 singles to get the day off to a good start, but the Lionettes suffered losses at two, three and four before sophomore Autumn King provided a big lift with an 8-2 win at No. 5.

King’s win kept the Lionettes in position for the win if they could sweep the doubles points. Sarah and Katie Hickman provided an exciting match before falling 8-6 at No. 1 doubles. King and Kristen McReynolds earned a tough 9-7 win at No. 2 doubles.

The boys had a similar match with several close games that could have went either way.

Daxton Patrick earned the Lions’ only singles win. He took a 9-8 decision from Matthew Austin at No. 3 singles. Patrick had to work overtime and won the tiebreaker 7-0.

Patrick teamed with Sadler to provide Cannon County with its only other point, a 9-7 win at No. 2 doubles.
Cole Kaney and Jeffery Northcutt dropped a gut-wrenching 9-8 match at No. 1 doubles, losing the tiebreaker 7-2. Northcutt also had a tough decision in his singles match. He suffered an 8-6 setback against Blake Basham at No. 2 singles.