MARION -- With wind gusts making tennis balls look more like Ping-Pong balls, the Marion High School boys tennis team not only persevered but downed Belleville Althoff, 8-1, Tuesday afternoon, at the Crisp Sports Complex.
"It's a good thing there are no style points in tennis," said Marion coach Carrie Watson. "The winds created some interesting points."
Marion made a clean sweep of singles to secure the team win before doubles even started.
Luke Motsinger was a perfect 6-0, 6-0 winner at No. 1, while Logan Holderfield rebounded for a 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 win at No. 2.
Lucas Moake also rallied for a 2-6, 6-1, 10-4 tiebreaker win at No. 3 and the Wildcats were quick winners in the next three matchups as Dylan Motsinger, Aaron Shelton and Kaleb Jordan all won in straight sets.
"This may have been one of our best matches so far," Watson said.
Holderfield and Luke Motsinger teamed up for a 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles and Moake and Dylan Motsinger were 6-1, 6-4 victors at No. 2. Althoff's lone win came over Shelton and Jordan at No. 3.
"I'm really proud of Lucas Moake," Watson said. "He just keeps improving in both his singles and doubles play. And also Dylan Motsinger played lights out in his singles match and pairing with Moake."
Marion's duals record evened at 5-5 with the victory.
The Wildcats are hoping to hold another duals tournament at the Crisp Sports Complex this coming Saturday with Herrin, Mt. Vernon, Waterloo and Olney competing.
