Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
AKRON - It was a short evening for Valley and a long one for Triton at the Viking tennis courts Tuesday. Valley dispatched the Trojans 5-0 in varsity action without losing a set.
"I was impressed with how the guys came out. They were hitting into the ball. We've been working on that," said Valley coach Rod Hamman.
Leading the way for the Vikings was the play of No. 1 singles Keith Kindig, who handled Kyle Whiteman 6-0, 6-1.
Hamman has been pleased with Kindig's play of late.
"In the last few weeks, Keith has just been really coming along. He works so well on the court and plays smart, consistent tennis. He's already so athletic and now he's becoming more consistent," said Hamman.
The play of No. 2 singles Robby Hamman was sporadic but he stayed tough mentally and physically to overcome some tough points and Triton's Julian Ravenscroft 6-2, 6-1.
At No. 3 singles, James Makula was solid in his 6-2, 6-0 defeat of Chris Miller, finishing second fastest behind the Kindig/Whiteman match.
The Vikings, who are 7-2 on the year thus far, have impressed Hamman with their intangibles.
"As a whole I'm really pleased with their mental attitude. These guys love to compete. If you have guys who love to compete, then you're going to get better and better."
At No. 2 doubles of Mitchell Mellott and Eric Shafer of Triton hung tough with Lincoln Rose and Rosten Hamman. Mellott and Shafer are freshmen and showing Triton coach Adam Heckaman potential.
"They're coming along really well. They're improving every match. Some of the mistakes they make are because they're freshmen, so we're working on consistency with them, but they're really coming along," said Heckaman.
For Triton, with nine players, six of whom are freshmen and no seniors, the battle is to get past the growing pains.
"We've lost a lot of close ones this year. We've been in every match. And I think once we win some of those close ones, they'll realize that they can win. We're going to battle, we're going to work on our consistency," Said Heckaman.
The Trojans travel to Bremen Monday while Valley, 7-2, travels to Cass Thursday.
VALLEY 5, TRITON 0
Singles
No. 1 - Keith Kindig (TV) def. Kyle Whiteman 6-0, 6-1
No. 2 - Robby Hamman (TV) def. Julian Ravenscroft 6-1, 6-2
No. 3 - James Makula (TV) def. Chris Miller 6-2, 6-0
Doubles
No. 1 - Aaron Foster/Trenton Newsome (TV) def. Jared Nifong/Tyler Berger 6-3, 6-3
No. 2 - Lincoln Rose/Rosten Hamman (TV) def. Erik Shafer/Mitchell Mellott 6-4, 6-1
JV - Valley 3, Triton 0
Singles
No. 1 - Brady Kinsel (TV) def. Kody Senff 8-2
No. 2 - Josh Foster (TV) def. Patrick Smith 8-1
Doubles
No. 1 - Adam Martin/Derrick Rose (TV) def. Kody Senff/Patrick Smith 8-0
