Stone netters sweep CCHS, Warren County

The Stone Memorial Lady Panthers, the defending district and regional champions, pushed their district record to 2-0 on the season early this week when they picked up two big wins. 

Stone Memorial rolled over Cumberland County 9-0, and then followed that up with a 7-2 victory over Warren County. 

The Lady Panthers rolled through the singles matches against Cumberland County. Rachel Houston beat Cumberland’s Molly Neal 8-1. Carrie Houston knocked off Sabrina Brummet 8-0, and Sydney Rally downed Cumberland County’s Elisabeth Phan 8-0 in the No. 3 spot. 

Courtney Calhoun, playing No. 4 for Stone, beat Lilly Dean and Phoebe Smith won an 8-0 victory over Josee Morales. SMHS won the No. 6 singles match by forfeit. 

The Houston sisters took the No. 1 doubles match for Stone with an 8-1 win over Neal and Brummet. Ellie Turner and Elliana Patterson beat Phan and Dean, 8-1. SMHS took the third doubles match by forfeit. 

“We definitely have some good experience with the top of our lineup, which is comforting,” said Stone coach Dylan Nelson. “It’s also very helpful to have them assist the newer players.” 

Stone won four of the six singles matches, and all three doubles contests to take down Warren County, 7-2. 

Rachel and Carrie Houston won their singles matches by identical 8-1 scores. Rachel beat Abby Graves, while Carrie took down London Carter. Rally beat Izzy Pitts 8-2 at the No. 3 spot. 

Calhoun knocked off Sussana Netherton to win the No. 4 singles match for Stone Memorial, winning 8-3. But Warren County took the final two contests. Smith lost 1-8 to Rachel Jackson at the No. 5 spot, and Turner dropped a 5-8 decision to Roman Imari at the No. 6 position. 

Rachel and Carrie Houston won their No. 1 doubles match 8-1, while Rally and Calhoun took an 8-5 decision. Smith and Turner teamed up for Stone in the No. 3 match and won 8-5 over Jackson and Imari. 

“We have had to modify our doubles lineup from last year since we lost our No. 3 and No. 4 player,” Nelson said. “So far, the fitseems to be good, but we will continue to try a few other teams. Lowerportion of the lineup is where we will need to make the most improvements for sure. 

“Sydney Rally has really stepped up so far this year from playing No. 5 last year to playing No. 3 this year, and No. 2 doubles. She is really rising to the occasion.”