By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The Allegan boys tennis team hosted the Gary Ellis Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 6, placing third in the four-team field with 10 points.
Unity Christian took top honors with 22 points, while Traverse City West was second with 12 points. Battle Creek Lakeview placed fourth with four points.
Allegan had to shuffle its lineup, with subs at No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 doubles.
“We had a unique lineup, but we battled with the bigger schools and almost came away as runner-up,” Allegan coach Damien Arthur said. “There were lots of positives from today, and we’re looking forward to what we can do in our upcoming matches.”
No. 2 singles Ezra Smith accounted for the Tigers’ lone flight championship. He went 3-0, including a 4-6, 6-1, 14-12 marathon win over TC West.
No. 3 singles Carson Woodhams and No. 1 doubles Wesley Goodspeed/Oliver Burnett were flight runners-up.
On Thursday, Sept. 4, Allegan hosted South Haven and won 7-1.
The Tigers got singles wins from No. 1 Silas Neldon (6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-5), No. 2 Smith (4-6, 6-0, 6-1) and No. 3 Woodhams (6-2, 7-5).
Doubles wins for Allegan came from No. 1 Noah Kuebler/Ian Gaulke (6-1, 6-1), No. 2 Goodspeed/Burnett (6-0, 6-2), No. 3 Gage Mashburn/Charlie Morris (3-6, 6-4, 10-6) and No. 4 Sully Morgan/Noah Willett (6-2, 6-1).
