The Chillicothe Hornets boys tennis team graduated positions 1-7 last year, setting the stage for fresher faces on this years team. Despite the lack of experience, the Hornets prevailed 6-3 over Carrollton.
In doubles, Austin Covert and Ray Pina lost 2-8 to returner Varsity players, Hawkins and Lyon. In #2 doubles, Hyun Lee and Smith Link, who are both first-year Tennis players for Chillicothe, shut down Harman and Aldrich 8-3. At #3, Aaron Snider and Dustin Citron edged out an 8-6 win over Isaacs and Bowersock. Through the doubles matches, the Hornets held a 2-1 lead.
In singles, #1 Austin Covert lost 0-8 to Cohen Hawkins. #2, Ray Pina battled Patrick Lyon, winning 8-6. #3 Hyun Lee was not able to hold off Preston Harman, losing 3-8. After 6 matches, the Hornets and Trojans were tied at 3 points. #4 Aaron Snider was able to dominate 8-1 over Seth Aldrich, and #5 Dustin Citron won 8-3 over Jacob Isaacs. Finally, the lone sophomore, filling in on Varsity, #6 Smith Link won decisively 8-5 over Junior Bowersock.
The extraordinary play from first year players, Hyun Lee, Aaron Snider, and Smith Link propelled Chillicothe to a 6-3 victory.
In JV, Alexander England and Carson Covert dropped their match 6-7, along with Tyler Clark and Brake Corbin losing 0-6. Despite the losses, the four freshmen playing their first matches were able to find positives about their play.