Published: March 26, 2008 01:18 pm            

Redhounds Rally

By Les Dixon / Sports Editor

Curt Hart’s Corbin Redhounds boys’ tennis team got off to a good start by knocking off Lexington Catholic in match play, 5-4.

Despite having to deal with 40 degree temperatures, the Redhounds managed to come back from a 4-0 deficit to pick up the win.

“Our boys wanted to play so bad, so we decided to make the trip,” Hart said. “It was a lot of fun. I knew it would be tough, though.

“I knew both Lance (Freeman) and Brody (Freeman) would face tough matches, but we wanted to improve our schedule this season and it will only make our players better,” he added.

Corbin struggled during its first four singles matches, as Lance and Brody Freeman lost their matches, 6-1, 6-2 and 6-2, 6-3, respectively, while Taylor Jones (8-6) and Lee Crawford (9-8) also dropped their opening game matches.

Lance Freeman’s match-up against Lexington Chrstian’s Colby Shaw was a tough one.

Shaw reached the state semifinals last year.

“Sometimes our top guys carry us and sometimes it’s our younger players that does,” Hart said.

Against the Eagles, the younger Corbin players stepped to the table and rallied the Redhounds back for the win.

Nick Huff knocked off Johnny Osborne, 9-8, while Arpan Dixit cruised past David Riddle, 8-4.

“We went into doubles play down 4-2, so we knew we needed to win our final three matches,” Hart said.

In doubles action, Corbin flexed its muscles and swept all three matches, as the duo of Huff and Crawford beat Neil Whitman and Micah Filimien, 9-7.

Teammates Kristhna Patil and Chris Goins captured an 8-0 win, while fifth-graders Harrison Reedy and William Reedy beat Logan Taylor and Mason King, 8-2.

“This was a very good win for us,” Hart said. “Like I said, I knew it would be tough, especially with the weather we have had, which has led to sporadic practices.

“I’m really proud of our younger boys for stepping up when we needed them to,” he added.

Corbin will be back in action today against regional foe Whitley County.

        

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