PERU — The Manchester boys tennis team is one step away from its first sectional title since 2006 and its fourth overall. Opening Sectional 48 at Peru against the hosting Peru Tigers Wednesday, the Manchester Squires advanced to today’s 5 p.m. championship with a 3-2 victory. For Manchester, sophomore Max Karg had the deciding point at No. 2 singles, winning in three sets. After losing the opening set 6-3, Karg bounced back to take the second 6-4 and then the match with a 6-3 victory in the third set as everyone watched. Also for Manchester, junior Brayton Spann won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 singles and the No. 2 doubles team of senior Dalton Day and junior Branden Scott were 6-3, 6-4 victors. In the championship match, Manchester will face Wabash, who defeated Maconaquah 3-2 Wednesday. During the regular season, Manchester defeated Wabash 4-1 at home on Sept. 17. MANCHESTER 3, PERU 2 (Sectional 48, Semifinals) SINGLES: No. 1 – Branden Bates (P) def. Connor Eichenauer 6-2, 6-4; No. 2 – Max Karg (M) def. Jack Zuers 3-6, 6-4, 6-3; No. 3 – Brayton Spann (M) def. Lucas Ekerley 6-0, 6-0 DOUBLES: No. 1 – Austin Finicle/Kreighton Ray (P) def. Morgan Metzger/Noah Cain 6-4, 6-2; No. 2 – Dalton Day/Branden Scott (M) def. Kameron Graham/Carson Ray 6-3, 6-4 Manchester Record: 12-2
BOYS SOCCER
Wednesday in Denver
The Manchester boys soccer team improved to 13-1-1 following its 4-1 victory at North Miami Wednesday night. The win is Manchester’s third in three nights. Up next for the Squires is its regular season finale at home against South Adams Saturday. MANCHESTER 4, NORTH MIAMI 1 Manchester Record: 13-1-1
GIRLS SOCCER
Wednesday in Columbia City
In a Whitley County matchup Wednesday, the Whitko girls soccer team closed out its regular season with a 2-0 loss at Columbia City. Jordan Hall had 10 saves for the Lady Wildcats, who enter sectional play at 5-6-4. Whitko begins Sectional 37 at the Fort Wayne Sport Club Monday at 7 p.m. against Fort Wayne Concordia. COLUMBIA CITY 2, WHITKO 0 Whitko Stats: Shots – 12; Saves – Jordan Hall 10 Records: Columbia City 3-10, Whitko 5-6-4
