VEEDERSBURG – Fountain Central boys’ tennis coach Chris Webb couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present on Saturday. The Mustangs defeated Covington 3-2 for their fourth consecutive sectional championship. Even though a sectional title is nothing new for the Mustangs, Webb said this one feels a little extra special.
“We knew if we were going to win our fourth straight, we’d have to take down Covington who we’ve seen improve season after season,” Webb said. “There’s almost a sense of relief with the guys knowing that they’ve had this goal in mind for four seasons now. This didn’t happen overnight and there was some pressure on our guys to perform.”
Carson Eberly took home the win at No. 1 singles defeating Calvin Springer 7-5, 7-5. Eberly was down 5-2 in his first match before winning five straight. This was Eberly’s first win over Springer this season. The senior lost to Springer at the Bi-County and 6-1, 6-2 just last week in the Wabash River Conference final.
“I just told myself one point at a time,” Eberly said. “It was a little frustrating in those first two matches against him this year but today I was able to keep my emotions in check. Coach Webb helped me change a few things this week and it worked.”
“Carson was a lot more in control of his points today,” Webb said of the Eberly. “His footwork and confidence level were great today. At the end of the day it came down to him executing and he’s been in this position many times before. It could’ve gone either way today with how close both those games were but fortunately Carson found a way to get it done.”
Sawyer Keeling snagged a win at No. 3 singles, defeating Jackson Kindell 6-2, 6-3. The duo of Brent Myers and Brayden Prickett at No. 2 doubles picked up the other win defeating Peyt Shumaker and Emmett Reynolds 6-0, 6-2.
Cody Linville fell at No. 2 singles to Evan Norton 1-6, 6-1, 6-2 and the other loss came from the pair of Jacob Keeling and CJ Yager at No. 1 doubles as Nolan and Myles Potter picked up a 6-2, 6-3 win.
Not only were the Mustangs tested on the court this season, but they battled numerous injuries throughout the season, including not even knowing if they’d have a season because of COVID-19. Despite all the obstacles the Mustangs overcame them all and walked away with another championship.
The Mustangs will now prepare to take on Southmont in the regional semifinals at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Crawfordsville. Earlier this season the Mustangs picked up a 5-0 win over the Mounties. However, Webbs know it will be a challenge nonetheless.
“We lost the first set in three of our matches the last time we played them,” Webb said. “They’ve gotten a lot better since then and it’s going to be a gut-wrenching match.”
