FREMONT – The final sport of the spring season to begin competition got underway Thursday as the Ross boys tennis team, after three weather cancellations, finally took to the court.
Unfortunately, the Little Giants’ season-opener came against a formidable Findlay squad whose strong singles play lifted the Trojans to a 4-1 win.
“I know Findlay is loaded. They didn’t lose anybody from last year,” Ross coach Lisa Wolfe said. “Because my doubles have been practicing very well I was hoping, because you never know what combination he’s going to put at doubles, I was hoping the strength of both doubles would have gotten a win. A little disappointed in No. 1 doubles and impressed with No. 2 doubles.”
The No. 2 doubles team of Lucas Cronin and Ethan Moyer kept the Little Giants from being shut out. On a chilly afternoon, they were the last team still playing after losing in a first-set tiebreak, 6-7 (4-7), before storming back to win in three sets, 6-3, 6-2.
“They were incredible in the third set, they played flawless,” Wolfe said. “It was cold for everybody out there but that didn’t seem to stop them from having to be last court on and playing through it. They did a great job.”
No. 1 doubles saw Sam Long and Trevor Weickert fall 3-6, 4-6 to Findlay’s Alec Kney and Sam Giedman.
In singles play, the Little Giants picked up a couple learning experiences.
No. 1 singles Nils Nolte, a German foreign exchange student, faced against a much-experienced Drew Swisher in his first match in America, losing 1-6, 0-6.
“I think the whole makeup was different for him,” Wolfe said of Nolte. “The scoring is different in Germany and also each court count is different in America than it is in Germany. It was all new to him.”
Alex Thatcher lost at No. 2 singles, 2-6, 3-6, while No. 3 singles Drew Miller lost his first tennis match at any level, 0-6, 0-6.
“I think Drew did a great job, the score does not reflect how well Drew played. I’m proud of him,” Wolfe said. “He did a great job and has no experience in a court setting. I think he is going to blossom throughout the season.”
While their season was long-delayed in starting, the Little Giants will get right back at it Friday, traveling to Bowling Green.
Findlay 4, Fremont Ross 1
No. 1 singles: Drew Swisher (FHS) def. Nils Nolte (FR), 6-1, 6-0
No. 2 singles: Logan Tichenor (FHS) def. Alex Thatcher (FR), 6-2, 6-3
No. 3 singles: Ethan Heidipriem (FHS) def. Drew Miller (FR), 6-0, 6-0
No. 1 doubles: Alec Kney/Sam Giedman (FHS) def. Sam Long/Trevor Weickert (FR), 6-3, 6-4
No. 2 doubles: Lucas Cronin/Ethan Moyer (FR) def. Blake Gray/Evan Gephner (FHS), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2