Wabash High School

Wabash Tennis Honors Seniors The Wabash boys’ tennis team honored four seniors Monday night at Honeywell Courts following a TRC matchup with Northwestern High School. The visiting Tigers left with a 3-2 victory, but the evening belonged to Wabash’s seniors: Eli Mattern (four-year varsity letter winner), Cooper Long (four-year varsity letter winner), Dylan Pence (two years JV, two years varsity letter winner), and Bridgette Bailey (four-year team manager). “We truly appreciate their leadership and commitment to the program over the years,” said Coach Mattern. “We know each of them will go on to do great things in the future.” Match Results 1 Singles Senior Eli Mattern delivered a dominant performance, cruising to a 6-0, 6-1 win over Woods. Controlling the baseline with powerful, well-placed shots, Mattern frequently moved forward to finish points at the net. “Eli has been practicing at a high level every day,” Coach Mattern said. “That confidence has carried into matches, and he’s playing some of his best tennis heading into sectionals.” 2 Singles In the night’s most dramatic contest, senior Cooper Long outlasted Conner Gaier in a three-set battle. Gaier took the opener 6-4 with steady play, but Long adjusted in the second set, winning 6-2 behind patient rallies and sharp-angled winners. In the deciding super tiebreak, both players had chances to close it out, but Long ultimately prevailed 12-10. 3 Singles Senior Dylan Pence fell 1-6, 1-6 to Northwestern freshman Bennett. Despite struggling with consistency, Pence battled throughout, while Bennett capitalized on opportunities to earn the win. 1 Doubles Karsen McKenzie and TJ Tracy showed flashes of aggressive, confident play but fell 3-6, 4-6 to Lesko and Dill. “This was a good step forward for Karsen and TJ,” Coach Mattern noted. “They’re starting to bring their practice-level intensity into matches.” 2 Doubles Freshmen Wiles and Dafoe fell 0-6, 1-6 but continued to show strong communication and improvement. “Their future is bright,” Coach Mattern added. JV Carter Pegg and Noah White also saw action, continuing to develop their movement and footwork. “Earlier in the season their focus was on the swing itself,” Coach Mattern said. “Now they’re recognizing that good movement sets up a successful swing. Their progress has been tremendous.” Next Up Wabash closes out TRC play Wednesday on the road at Whitko.