By Cort Reynolds

ADA – The Ada High School tennis team battled through a close match to defeat visiting Wapakoneta 3-2 on a windy but warm Monday, May 4 at War Memorial Park.

The inexperienced Bulldog netters improved to 1-6 after capturing their first win.

The win was a rematch. The Redskins (5-10) beat Ada 4-1 in the first Bulldog match of the season, and improving Ada avenged that loss on Monday.

“I am so incredibly happy and grateful for the kids to get the first win,” said first-year Ada head coach Shelleigh Alexander. “Rob (Alexander, assistant coach) and I see the improvements they have made. We have been playing a lot of deuce games, and tonight they were able to finish.

“I am gratified they got over the hump and were able to win,” she added. 

Ada senior Justin Bowden triumphed in a close 6-4, 7-5 battle at first singles over Wapak freshman Ian Bachar.

“Justin fought really hard at first singles,” said the coach.

Bulldog junior Brandon Prater lost a tough 7-5, 6-1 bout to sophomore Tyler Roberts at second singles.  

Ada junior Lawson Klingler won a three-set battle at second singles. He defeated sophomore Keaton Walker 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the long final match that ultimately decided the overall outcome.

His clutch win broke a 2-2 tie and clinched the match win for the Bulldogs.

“That was a really important point,” said Alexander of his win.

At first doubles, Ada senior Sam Crawford and freshman Lucy Carter teamed up for a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Redskin sophomores Gavin Gallaspie and Kiara Keith.

At second doubles, the Wapakoneta sophomore duo of Reese Schadl and Olivia Lewis defeated the Ada tandem of juniors Brooklynn Andreasen and Jaylin St. Laurent 6-1, 6-4. 

In a junior varsity doubles match, Adaites Madi Rowland and Kaytlin Lambert won 6-3. Bulldog reserves Cayden Wise and Alyssa Nau also captured a 6-1 JV win over Micah Jump and Lilly Casey.

The Ada trio of Gio Hurley, Peyton Karsten and Emily Thaxton took turns playing a pro set singles match vs. Wapak’s Mike Hurst, which the Redskin won.

“We got all the JV kids in too, which is really nice,” said Alexander. “We have a lot of novices completely new to the game. It was great experience for them to play against new people from other teams.”

Ada’s scheduled match at Van Wert on Friday, May 1, was rained out. The match against Bath (0-10) was rescheduled for Saturday, May 11.

Weather permitting, the Bulldogs are scheduled to host Hardin County rival Kenton (7-4) on Tuesday, May 5. Ada then plays Fostoria on Wednesday as they continue a busy week.