Panthers conquer in first fall season match

The lady Panthers tennis team defeated Southwest Valley Friday in their first matchup of the new fall season.

Though not used to playing in the humid, sunny weather, the team won 9-0 against the Timberwolves.

“While it was a quick turn around, from starting practice on Monday to playing our first event on Friday, it was great to get out and play,” Creston coach Kevin Cooper said. “Everything is going to be new this year for every team. There are so many conflicts going on right now, you may see a different lineup from a team on any given day.”

This lineup saw the Panthers handily winning against the Timberwolves. The closest singles match was between Creston sophomore Marlee Stalker and Southwest Valley senior Hailey Randall in number two singles, with Stalker winning 8-4.

At number one doubles, Stalker and junior Kennedy Strider won 8-6 in a close fight against Randall and junior Deklyn Mullen.

“I thought we played good today considering that each girl is up 3-4 spots from last year,” Cooper said. “We will continue to practice and hopefully improve as the season progresses.”

The lady Panthers play again today at Knoxville High School in Knoxville Invitational, which begins at 9 a.m.

Creston 9, Southwest Valley 0

Singles — Kennedy Strider (Cr) def. Deklyn Mullen (SWV), 8-1; Marlee Stalker (Cr) def. Hailey Randall (SWV), 8-4; Shaylee Coen (Cr) def. Sidney Crill (SWV), 8-1; Brooke Huck (Cr) def. Nora Barnes (SWV), 8-0; Savannah Jaques (Cr) def. Adelynn Cripps (SWV), 8-1; Janessa Pokorny (Cr) def. Fiona McDaniel (SWV), 8-1.

Doubles — Strider-Stalker (Cr) def. Mullen-Randall (SWV), 8-6; Coen-Huck (Cr) def. Crill-Barnes (SWV), 8-3; Jaques-Pokorny (Cr) def. Cripps-McDaniel (SWV), 8-1.