Lions struggle at windy Washburn Rural

Topeka ? Lawrence High’s boys tennis squad was 1-2 at a varsity quadrangular Thursday at Washburn Rural.

The Lions’ No. 2 doubles tandem of Gardner Burg and Sam Goodell won all three matches, but the other three LHS categories didn’t fare as well. Tommy Johnson was 0-3 at No. 1 singles, Jacob Gage was 1-2 at No. 2 singles, and Ryan Robinson and Noah Welch were 1-2 at No. 1 doubles.

The Lions beat Seaman, 4-1, but lost to Topeka West, 3-1, and Washburn Rural, 3-1.

“Our singles guys made too many errors, but they had periods when they played patiently and won some great points,” LHS coach Dick Wedel said. “At No. 2 doubles, Sam and Gardner played well, stayed focused and cut down on their errors. A lot of matches are not so much about winning as about not beating yourself.

“Washburn Rural has the windiest courts around, except for Emporia. It’s a good thing we practice in the wind every day.”

Lawrence High will play host Monday to intracity rival Free State.

Lawrence High 4, Topeka Seaman 1Topeka West 3, Lawrence High 1Washburn Rural 3, Lawrence High 1LHS resultsNo. 1 singles — Tommy Johnson lost to Smejkel, TS, 2-8; lost to Reynolds, TW, 5-8; lost to Baraban, WR, 5-8.No. 2 singles — Jacob Gage def. Vollota, TS, 8-5; lost to Stewart, TW, 3-8; lost to Wilson, WR, 1-8.No. 1 doubles — Ryan Robinson/Noah Welch def. Rule/Blankenship, TS, 8-1; lost to Sanchez/Harper, TW, 5-8; lost to Newell/Newell, WR, 1-8.No. 2 doubles — Gardner Burg/Sam Goodell def. Crenshaw/Mamueng, TS, 8-0; def. Brownback/Lepse, WR, 8-4; def. Hoffman/Van Slyke, TW, 8-4.