Owen nips Polk County in regular-season finale

Polk County’s girls tennis team concluded its regular season Wednesday with a 5-4 loss at Owen.

The Wolverines also suffered a 5-4 loss to Owen in a match delayed from Sept. 10. In that match, Polk trailed 4-2 after singles matches when play was stopped due to inclement weather. Due to illness, one of the Wolverines could not make the trip Wednesday, meaning a forfeit in her doubles match. Thus Polk forfeited that match and Owen the other two matches for the 5-4 final margin.

In the match played Wednesday, Polk came close to pulling out its first team win of the season, but the Warhorses again took four of six singles matches.

“It was one of the best and most most competitive matches we have played this season,” said Polk County head coach Richard Davis. “Owen was mostly on our level as far as tennis skill is concerned. Most of the matches came down to a point or two here and there that decided the outcome.

“Unfortunately, we gained no wins this year but improved 100 percent. If all the girls return to play next year I feel confident in saying that we will be competitive within the conference and without a doubt will win some matches. However, good tennis players have to perfect their skill during the offseason, not during the season.”

The Wolverines will return to Owen this week to compete in the Western Highlands Conference tournament.

SINGLES
1. Maddison Devan (O) d. Haven Dufford 10-7. 2. Avery Burleson (O) d. Juniper Walter-Eger 10-2. 3. Rhian Alley (PC) d. Kate Austin 10-3. 4. Reese Alley (PC) d Anne Thomas Matthews 11-9. 5. Jaiden Tweed (O) d Bella Marino 10-7. 6. Ashley Valencia (O) d Trinity Branham 10-8.

DOUBLES
1. Dufford/Rhian Alley (PC) d Devand/Matthews 8-6. 2. Tweed/Valencia (O) d Reese Alley/Alicia Twitty 8-2. 3. Marino/Branham (PC) d Kaing/Hey 8-2.