Knights edge Tigers in tennis

Will Willems, The Lebanon Reporter, Ind.
·2 min read

Apr. 14—LEBANON — The Lebanon girls tennis team had an opportunity to get back above .500 on Tuesday night.

But facing a visiting Lafayette Central Catholic squad, the Tigers weren't able to do the little things they needed to get the win.

In the end, the Knights swept the doubles and got a win at No. 2 singles to come away with a 3-2 win over Lebanon. The Tigers are now 1-2 on the year.

"Tonight was frustrating," Lebanon head coach Joe LePage said. "There were so close matches, but I honestly don't feel like they should have been as close as they were. Central Catholic is a great school, well coached with great kids who put the ball in play. We just didn't live up to our potential, and that is a something we hope to nip in the bud as we get going into the season."

The Tigers had a couple of big bright spots.

At No. 3 singles, sophomore Molly Barber dropped the first set, but came back to win the final two to get the Tigers' second point.

Because of COVID restrictions shutting down last season, this was only Barber's third varsity match, and a win like that can be big for her moving forward.

"Molly loves the game, has an energetic personality and is fun to be around," LePage said. "She is quiet and reserved a lot, but when she gets on the court she is really fiery. It was great to see her fight back and make shots when she had to."

Lebanon also got a big win from Jessica Lehmkuhler at No. 1 singles.

Lehmkuhler won her match 6-3, 6-1.

"When we are doing our sprints and work outs, we always say to 'run to the line' and 'run the race to the end,'" LePage said. "Jess exemplifies that. She wants to finish strong. She has big personal and team goals this year and she is out there every day like it is her last practice or match."

At No. 2 singles, Michelle Horvat dropped a 6-4, 6-2 match.

At No. 1 doubles, the team of Irene Ransom and Lizbeth Silva-Santiago lost 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 and at No. 2 doubles, Haley Pierce and Khushi Patel lost 6-2, 6-3.

Lebanon travels to West Lafayette on Thursday.

"Consistency and focus are going to be keys for us," LePage said. "We have great potential and a great group of kids. They have everything it takes to be successful. Right now, we are trying to plant the seed of having heart, resiliency and mental toughness. We haven't had that enough to start this season."

Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.