By Cort Reynolds

FOSTORIA __The visiting Ada High School tennis team defeated Fostoria 3-2 in a tough match on a chilly Wednesday evening, May 6.

The improved Bulldog netters improved to 2-6 after recording their second straight victory.  

“We had a beautiful night of tennis,” said first-year Ada head coach Shelleigh Alexander, who is a Fostoria alumnus. “It was nice to be back home. It was a cold night for tennis, but it turned out great. We have a win streak going now.”

Ada senior Justin Bowden won a lengthy 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) battle at first singles over junior Landon Sherman.

His individual victory in the last match of the day broke a 2-2 tie and decided the overall victory in favor of the Bulldogs.

“Justin’s match was very competitive,” said the coach. “We played three tiebreakers in the match and won two. We are starting to find ways to win the close ones.”

Bulldog junior Brandon Prater also triumphed at second singles by a 6-4, 6-1 count over senior Gulmaro Vargas.  

“Brandon pulled out his first win, and he really needed that,” Alexander noted. “His results don’t indicate how many close games he has played.”

Bulldog junior Lawson Klingler lost 6-3, 6-2 at third singles to junior Jayson Phillips.  

At second doubles, the Ada junior tandem of Brooklynn Andreasen and Jaylin St. Laurent triumphed 7-6, 6-0 against Drake Haye and Jason Hasse. 

“That tiebreak win in the first set must have broken their spirit,” offered Alexander. 

At first doubles, Ada senior Sam Crawford and freshman Lucy Carter lost a close 6-4, 7-6 bout to Reece Blair and Royal Ferguson.

“They put up a good fight,” said Alexander.

Ada hosts a makeup match vs. Bryan on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. 

On Friday, the Bulldogs play at the six-team Northern Buckeye Tennis League tournament at Bryan. Archbold, Bryan, Wauseon and Evergreen are among the other participants.

Ada’s scheduled home match vs. Hardin County rival Kenton (7-4) on Tuesday, May 5, was rained out and will likely not be rescheduled.

The Bulldogs will host Fostoria in a return makeup match on Tuesday, May 12.