H.S. TENNIS ROUNDUP: Freedom cages Panthers

Credit: Tommy Fleming | The News Herald

Freedom senior Brandon Burns prepares to hit a slice backhand during doubles action Friday versus Patton. Burns teamed with Braxton Ervin to win the No. 3 doubles match by a 10-3 score.

By: STAFF REPORTS | Morganton News Herald Published: April 21, 2012 Updated: April 21, 2012 - 4:42 PM

Freedom tennis coach Wayne Giese has preached all season how important team chemistry is, especially when playing doubles.

Fridays regular-season finale could not have been scripted any better for the home-standing Patriots in their match against crosstown rival Patton.

After splitting the singles matches 3-all, Freedom took control by winning both the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles matches to clinch a 5-4 South Mountain 2A/3A Conference triumph along with a season sweep of the Panthers.

The match was everything I expected. I love to watch the guys from these two high schools compete in a truly good sportsmanship match, Giese said. Either team could have won. To see a repeat of our early-season match (in which Freedom won 5-4) going down to a doubles match is just incredible.

Both teams should be primed for the conference tournament starting Tuesday at Patton.

Freedom sophomore Braxton Ervin teamed with senior Brandon Burns to claim the No. 3 doubles match by a 10-3 margin against Panthers senior Benji Pierson and sophomore John Landers.

Ervin (No. 5) and Burns (No. 6) dropped their singles matches but were not to be denied in a key doubles matchup. Burns noted the importance of teaming with Ervin to clinch his final high school regular-season match with a victory.

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H.S. TENNIS ROUNDUP: Freedom cages Panthers