The Ankeny Centennial boys’ tennis team picked up a victory–as well as some confidence–at the expense of its crosstown rival.
The Jaguars posted a 10-1 triumph over Ankeny on Thursday at the Prairie Ridge courts. It was their fourth straight win in the series.
“I was super happy with our singles play,” said Centennial coach Tami Lewton. “Most of my varsity is playing varsity for the first time ever this year. Hopefully, this will give them the confidence to pull out more wins in the future.”
Centennial improved to 1-1 in the CIML Iowa Conference and 2-4 overall. The Hawks’ records dropped to 1-2 and 1-3.
“Overall, we played better than we had been, but we have a ways to go,” said Ankeny coach Ron Miller. “Patience is a very hard lesson we’re learning. When we are patient, we do well.”
The Jaguars won five of the six singles matches, including a three-set victory by Holden Smith at the No. 3 spot. Nathan Smith at No. 5 and Joel Nelson at No. 6 both won two close sets.
“Holden and Nathan had lost a few very close matches recently,” Lewton said. “I was super proud of them and very happy for them that they were able to pull out the wins! I thought that we played really solid from 1-10!”
Dylan Victor provided Ankeny’s lone victory at the No. 2 position. He posted a 6-0, 6-1 win over Kellen Jones.
“Dylan has been a very bright spot for us so far,” Miller said. “He has been very competitive in every match even when the score didn’t indicate that. Unfortunately, our No. 1–Mason Lyons–had to play one of the best in the state four times in a row. Waukee Northwest, Dowling Catholic, Caleb (Peterson today) and Caleb again (Friday). That’s as rough as anyone could have it!”
Peterson posted a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Lyons at No. 1 singles and then teamed up with Nelson for a 6-3, 6-1 win over Lyons and Victor at No. 1 doubles. The Jaguars swept all five doubles matches in straight sets.
“Our No. 2 doubles had a big win at Dowling early in the week, but struggled today with footwork,” Miller said. “The good news is that they drew the same team (Friday) in our invitational so they can make amends if the weather permits.”
Thursday’s meet was played under sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s.
“It was a great night for our annual Pink Out event,” Lewton said. “So great to have four teams battle it out on the court, but come together for one great cause.”
Here are the match-by-match results:
Centennial 10, Ankeny 1
Singles–Peterson beat Lyons, 6-0, 6-0; Victor (A) beat Jones, 6-0, 6-1; H. Smith beat Somers, 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 (8); Wellendorf beat Parkinson, 6-1, 6-3; N. Smith beat Legg, 6-4, 7-5; Nelson beat Walker, 6-3, 7-6 (9).
Doubles–Peterson-Nelson beat Lyons-Victor, 6-3, 6-1; Jones-Wellendorf beat Somers-Parkinson, 6-3, 6-3; N. Smith-Hiney beat Legg-Bovee, 7-5, 6-2; H. Smith-Lacey beat Walker-Josten, 6-3, 6-0; Halverson-Miller beat C. Lueck-D. Lueck, 6-3, 6-2.
