By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The ability to perform well when it counts the most.
That’s a trait Allegan girls tennis coach Damien Arthur is striking to cultivate in his team. And he thinks his players took a big step in the right direction when they hosted the Tiger Invitational on Saturday, April 20.
The Tigers went 3-1 in third sets and 6-4 in tiebreakers as they finished with 19 points to edge out Lakeshore for top honors by a single point.
“It was a great day for our ladies, especially in pressure situations,” Arthur said. “Earlier in the season, we were struggling to close out tiebreakers or third sets, but that wasn’t the case today.
“I tell the girls that these pressure situations get us ready for when things really matter and I like what I saw from them.”
Allegan beat Big Rapids 8-0 and bested Jackson Lumen Christi 7-1. The Tigers tied with Lakeshore 4-4.
No. 2 singles Bristyn Neldon, No. 4 singles Lilly Dame, No. 1 doubles Luna Ruiz/Ragan Meeter and No. 2 doubles Hanna Kieviet/Taylor Fuller won flight titles with perfect 3-0 records.
“Our captains—Bristyn, Luna and Ragan—really stepped up to help secure this tournament win,” Arthur said. “Bristyn was red hot and only lost three games all day, and one doubles captured the tournament win by taking down Lakeshore.
“It’s awesome to see our experienced players step up in pressure situations as it helps show the way to our younger girls.”
No. 1 singles Addy Fales, No. 3 doubles Ireland Dewey/Madison Cook and No. 4 doubles Lilli Kelley/Nora Bonin each finished runner-up at 2-1. That included a pair of three-set victories for Kelley/Bonin, as they bested Big Rapids 4-6, 7-6 (4), 10-1 and beat Jackson Lumen Christi 6-1, 5-7, 10-4.
No. 3 singles Sophia Augustine was third in her flight.
