LE wins first league title in program history

Doubles key to title for Braves

By BRAD MORRIS
SPORTS EDITOR
Published: Monday, October 4, 2010 9:06 AM EDT

ASHVILLE — Before the beginning of the season, three banners inside Logan Elm’s Spangler Memorial Gymnasium were without a championship year.

The LE girls tennis team reduced the number by one on Saturday.

Logan Elm captured three event titles at the Mid-State League Buckeye Division tournament at Teays Valley, and won its first league title in program history.
“Coach Brian Weller and I noticed our empty banner at the start of the season, and the girls and us wanted to do something about it,” LE coach Tony Clouse said. “This championship obviously means a lot to us.

“Our girls started coming out in April and met two to three times a week, and that is what kind of put us over the top. We have a good group of girls who are willing to work to get better.”

The Braves went 14-0 in dual matches this season and edged Teays Valley 12-11 at the league meet to hold their lead over the second-place Vikings.

“We thought we could be competitive at the beginning of the season, but we weren’t sure how competitive we could be,” Clouse said. “We had some freshmen step up big for us, and we also got good senior leadership.

“Honestly, we hope this is more than a taste of winning. We want to put more numbers on the banner.”

Logan Elm swept the doubles courts with Lydia Linton and Brittany Pontious winning first doubles and Shae Manson and Katie Willard winning second doubles.

Four-year starter Demi Martin accounted for the other event title at third singles.

“We’ve relied on our first and doubles teams for a lot of points this season,” Clouse said. “They’re so competitive and aggressive.

“It’s nice to see Demi get rewarded for her play and leadership for our team. She slowed down and kept the ball in play in the championship match to beat (TV’s Connie Monteney 10-4).”

Teays Valley won event titles with Adrien Leatherwood at first singles and Jamie Weber at second singles.

Circleville finished third in the tournament with six points and for the entire season.