The Catawba Ridge boy’s tennis season came to an end at the hands of Irmo in the second round of the 4A state playoffs.
Catawba Ridge finished the season at 8-3 and were Region 3-4A champs, but came up short Thursday in the playoffs falling 4-3.
“They broke us early and stayed up on the sets,” said Catawba Ridge head coach James Martin. “I am proud of what we have done. I am excited about their future.”
The Copperheads dropped matches one through three, but came back to tie things up winning the fourth and fifth matches and No. 2 doubles forcing a match with No. 1 doubles.
In single play for Catawba Ridge, No. 1 player Devin Hartzog fell 6-0, 6-0 and No. 2 player Eric Finley fell 6-4, 6-1. Aiden Liles lost at No. 3 singles for the Copperheads 6-0, 6-1. At No. 4 singles, Catawba Ridge picked up the win with Charlie Gallagher getting a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Sammy Mullis added to the Copperheads total with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5 singles.
Catawba Ridge tied the match at 3-3 with No. 2 doubles team of Koen Tesamale and Cade Gainey winning 7-6, 6-1 forcing the No. 1 team of Hartzog and Finley to team together. Unfortunately for Copperhead fans, Irmo won the No. 1 doubles match 6-2, 6-3 and will play in the third round Monday, May 2.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
