Tournament-host Center Grove had no trouble successfully defending its girls tennis sectional championship.
The 10th-ranked Trojans shut out county rival Greenwood 5-0 in Friday’s championship match.
The sectional title was the 27th for Center Grove, which also defeated the Woodmen 5-0 earlier in the spring in the Johnson County Tournament.
Center Grove (14-3) advances to the regional, which begins Tuesday. The regional-host Trojans will play the winner of the Shelbyville Sectional in the first round.
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Franklin Central plays the winner of the Southport Sectional in the other first-round match. The regional final will be Wednesday.
“I’m extremely proud of them,” Center Grove coach Debby Burton said. “We set some goals at each position, things to accomplish with our style of play, and I feel we’ve done that.”
With strong play at singles and improving doubles, the Trojans remained in control against Greenwood from start to finish.
Sophomore Isabella Schoolcraft beat Greenwood senior Abby Chatham 6-1, 6-0 at No. 1 singles.
At No. 2 singles, junior Maddie Weeks used a strong baseline game to get by Greenwood junior Molly Jacobs, 6-0, 6-1.
Down 5-2 in the first set, Center Grove freshman Ellie Strube rallied for a 7-5, 6-2 win against sophomore Maddie Bright at No. 3 singles.
At No. 1 doubles, junior Bailey Sammons paired with sophomore Cassidy Hardin to get by Greenwood seniors Ally Newman and Joanna Moran, 6-2, 6-1.
At No. 2 doubles, senior Madison Smeathers and junior Carleigh Hardin defeated senior Sadie Brooks and sophomore Alysaa Roscoe 6-1, 6-2.
Burton said not looking ahead has been key to the Trojans’ success, an approach they plan to continue the remainder of the postseason.
“One day at a time,” Burton said. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. They’ve set some lofty goals for themselves, but we still have to take care of business each time out.
“Whatever the obstacle, we’re going to keep a positive attitude.”
