DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
Bellmont’s undefeated season came to an end Tuesday evening in Bluffton, but not before the team captured its first sectional title in over a decade, along with its first NE8 title ever and an undefeated regular season. The Braves were knocked out of the state tournament in the regional semifinals by Manchester, 3-2.
“It was a heck of match,” said Bellmont coach Kyle Arnold. “It was a blast of a season.”
The fate of the match came down to No. 2 doubles. The Braves won the first set at No. 2 and No. 3 singles, but lost at No. 1 singles and doubles. The team’s chances of winning took a hit when they dropped the opening set at No. 2 doubles, but they bounced back and dominated the second set, tying it with a 6-0 win.
With Emma Fuelling and Lillian Jin wrapping up quick victories in their singles matches, Averie Coats and Alyssa Coffey were the last ones on the court with their third set at No. 2 doubles. Down 6-5, the pair put up a valiant effort, but were defeated and Manchester advanced with the 3-2 win to take on Homestead in the regional final after the Spartans breezed past Mississinewa on the other courts.
“I told the girls that we accomplished every goal we set at the beginning of the season,” said coach Arnold. “They have no reason to hang their heads. The worst part of the night wasn’t the loss, it’s the fact that this great season has come to an end.”
Norwell’s Macie Saalfrank also advanced in the individual portion of the tournament, winning over Ava Christiansen, 6-1, 6-2.
Manchester 3 Bellmont 2
No. 1-Myla Crozier (M) d. Leila Jin, 6-3, 6-2
No. 2-Emma Fuelling (B) d. Bethany Penrod, 6-4, 6-2
No. 3-Lillian Jin (B) d. Chase Blevins, 6-1, 6-1
No. 1-Addison Brubaker/Vanja Jovic (M) d. Lilyana Suarez/Ella Ross, 6-3, 6-2
No. 2-Katie Jenkins/Ella Bradley (M) d. Alyssa Coffey/Averie Coats, 7-5, 0-6, 7-5
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