The Bainbridge High Bearcat and Lady Cat tennis teams picked up key victories on Thursday as they each defeated Veterans in their first region match of the season. The Bearcats defeated the Warhawks 4-1 and the Lady Cats battled for a 3-2 win. Mark Loeffler, at No. 1 singles, and Dalton Savage, at No. 3 singles, set the tone for Bainbridge as they both quickly defeated their opponents. Loeffler won 6-0, 6-2 and Savage won 6-1, 6-3 to out the Bearcats up 2-0 in the match.

“Dalton is a consistent player,” coach Amy Thomas said. “He doesn’t beat himself and it takes a player with some big shots to beat him. As a leader, I couldn’t ask for anything more [from Mark].”

Cole Buchanan lost in No. 2 singles 6-7, 1-6 meaning the doubles matches would decide the match for the Bearcats.

“Our first doubles had split sets and out second doubles hadn’t taken the court yet so there for a moment it was intense because we knew we had to have a win somewhere,” Thomas said.

The No. 1 doubles pairing of Hudson Barber and Mathew Walker won the first set 6-4 before dropping the second set 1-6. They then fell behind in the third set 2-5 before battling back to win the set and the match. The Bearcats also claimed No. 2 doubles 6-1, 6-1.

“I was really excited to see the boys come together as a team yesterday,” Thomas said. “I think the boys have stayed and they know that things are going to be a little different this year. It is a testament to their willingness to step up.”

The Lady Cats fell behind early to Veterans when No. 3 singles player Chloe Powell lost 2-6, 1-6.

“Immediately, we were a little defeated,” Thomas said. “When she came off it got tense…It was pretty evident that it was going to come down to doubles.”

The Lady Cats split the remaining singles matches with Sydney Burke winning No. 1 singles 6-1, 6-3 and Jade Stacey losing No. 2 singles in a third set tiebreaker 2-6, 6-2, 7-6.

Bainbridge was able to secure the win though, with wins by both doubles pairs in two set matches.

I was really proud of number 2 doubles [Madison Wiggins and Gracie Surratt] because they knew it was going to be up to them,” Thomas said. “They took the court late so they were aware of the situation. The pressure on them, I am extremely proud.”

With a region win under their belt, the Bearcats and Lady Cats will return to the court on Monday for a home match against Miller County.