Panther Tennis Team

Defeats the Brownwood Lions 10-9

to Take Control of District 16-4A

        The Panther Tennis Team went head to head with the district undefeated Brownwood Lions this Saturday, October 8, 2005.  "We knew that this match was going to be a battle and full of intensity.  The match came down to the wire and did not disappoint anyone.  Our players showed heart and resolve as they pulled out the 10-9 victory," Coach Simonek.  The victory gave the panthers control of district 16-4A.  They need only one more win to take the District Team Tennis Title, which would be their 4th consecutive title. 

        The Panthers started very solid in doubles.  They took an early 4-3 lead over the Brownwood Lions.  "We played great doubles.  Our Pantherettes were awesome as they swept the Lions in doubles play.  We had a couple of close matches that we lost in 3-sets that really kept the match close," Coach Simonek.  Winning matches in doubles were: Colleen Myers/Elizabeth Allinson def Brown/Salazar 6-3, 6-3, Rivera/Harrell def. Sansom/Carter 6-1, 6-3, Alvarado/Luedtke def. Qunell/Morelock 6-0, 6-4, and Natividad/Rochelle def. Roddam/Valdrielto 6-0, 6-2. 

        The Panthers moved into singles play with the 4-3 lead.  The Lions would fight back and take the first three singles matches off of the court, taking a 6-4 lead early in singles play.  The Panthers would come strorming back and take the next three singles matches with great play from Ross Natividad, Mitchell Myers, and Lindsey Harrell.  "Ross played a huge match.  He came back from a one set deficit to win the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-0," Coach Simonek.  This would give the Panthers a 7-6 lead for the moment. 

        It did not last long as the Lions came back to take the next two matches coming off the courts to give the Lions back the lead at 8-7.  Four  matches were left on the courts to determine the winner.  Midway needed to pull three of the remaining matches, while Brownwood only needed to win two.  "Our players invest a lot in their preparation.  We had a lot of faith that they would step up and win the matches they needed," Coach Simonek.  THree Panthers would step up and take the next three matches that came off the courts.  The next three that came off were: Amanda Alvarado, Colleen Myers, and Dustin Rochelle.  This pushed the Panthers to a 10- 9 victory and control of District 16-4A. 

        The Panthers will travel to Killeen Tuesday, October 11, 2005.  The Panthers will play the Killeen Roos and look to go undefeated in District for the last four years.  "I am very proud of this group of players.  We are very young this year.  These guys have worked hard, committed themselves, and earned every bit of success that they receive," Coach Simonek.