Rick Orban said the wind that blew during Thursday evening’s Northern Lakes Conference girls tennis match against Wawasee acted as an equalizer. Mother Nature didn’t trip up the Lady Tigers, however, and neither did the Lady Warriors. Warsaw beat their visiting rivals 4-1, winning both doubles matches and at No. 1 and No. 3 singles. “This wind was an equalizer,” said Orban. “Normally, the better team struggles more on nights like this. You’re not as aggressive.” The Lady Tigers were the better team, and it showed – windy or not – as they improved to 5-3 overall and 4-0 in NLC actioin. Wawasee fell to 1-7 overall and 0-4 in conference play. In the first match to finish, Warsaw’s No. 1 doubles team of Lindsay Sciarra and Olivia Wallin defeated Mia Hauser and Karla Allen 6-0, 6-0. At No. 2 doubles, the Lady Tigers’ Rachel Alexander and Mattie Doran beat Samantha Prins and Laura Gomez 6-4, 6-4. “Our singles players can keep up with them,” said Wawasee coach Jenessa Jergensen. “We need to work on our doubles. We need to work on volleys. Their girls were so good at the net.” Wawasee’s lone win came at No. 2 singles, where Morgan Geer beat Sarah Boyle 6-3, 6-3. In the No. 1 singles match, Warsaw’s Sarah Hartle beat Katy Ashpole 6-1, 6-1. And at No. 3 singles, Warsaw’s Jacqueline Sasso defeated Samantha Klinge 6-1, 6-0. Playing teams like Carroll, Fort Wayne Canterbury and Plymouth, the Lady Tigers’ schedule has featured teams ranked in their respective district. Thursday evening, Warsaw was clearly the better team. “We kind of knew that coming in,” said Orban. “If you look at the records, and how young they are at some of the positions. We’ve had some injuries and sickness, but we’re in pretty good shape for the conference. These girls don’t give up. They’re probably overachievers, to be honest with you, but they just don’t give up.” The Lady Tigers are in action again today as they host Fort Wayne Concordia. Wawasee plays at West Noble Monday.
