Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

Written By: Will Willems Lebanon Reporter With sectional play right around the corner, Thursday's tennis match between Western Boone and Lebanon provided the type of tense moments teams can expect in do-or-die play. After Western Boone took the matches at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, the Tigers took the first set at the remaining three spots to give themselves a chance. And while Lebanon came away with a big point at No. 2 doubles, the Western Boone No. 1 doubles team of Paige Anderson and Grace Maners spoiled the comeback, coming back from a set down to win their match and give their team the critical third point. "They showed a ton of grit and a lot of mental toughness," Western Boone head coach Colin Haney said of his doubles team. "It was ugly at times, but we got better today We were challenged mentally, emotionally and that can go a long way next week." Anderson and Maners dropped the first set 6-2 in the opening set to Aliie Niehaus and Emma Hoover, but came back to take the second set 6-3. In the third, the WeBo duo got a break in the Tigers' first service game to go up 1-0, then never lost confidence from there. "We just told them everything was in their control," Haney said. "They were making a lot of unforced errors early, and they knew that. They just had to stay patient, let the game come to them and play with confidence. They did a good job of not getting rattled and got control." While it didn't end in a win, Thursday showed how far the Tigers have come since the beginning of the year. Coach Paul Hensley said his team continues to battle. "We have gotten better each week and each match," Hensley said. "We are playing pretty well heading into the sectional." The Tigers got a win from Mya Nelson and Autumn Jones at No. 2 doubles, where they won 6-4, 6-1 over Cami Baird and Mallory Hayden. Lebanon also got the last point of the night, with Lucy Cooper outlasting Eisley Whiteley 6-2, 6-7 (12-14), 14-12. "Lucy just gets that look in her eye and she is determined," Hensley said. "She doesn't like to talk much during her matches, she likes to get to her spots very quickly and get rolling. She's very confident and determined." The Stars rolled at the top two singles spots, with Izzy Adams winning 6-0, 6-0 over Anna Howard and Jade Strong winning 6-0, 6-0 over Lucie Cassis. The Stars are now 10-9 on the year, and now get ready for next week's sectional. "We just have to clean up a few things, especially at our doubles spots," Haney said. "But really the big thing is just finding that consistency and playing to our potential." Lebanon has two matches remaining against Southmont and Rossville before the sectional. Hensley said the Tigers want to gain some momentum heading into the sectional. "It is just keeping the intensity level up," Hensley said. "We haven't had the best season, but we want to end on a high note. If we go down swinging, that's all I can ask for."