Dutch tennis team brought home win over Bradford Tuesday

The St. Marys Area Flying Dutchmen tennis team was back in action on the road on Tuesday, bringing home a 5-2 win over the Bradford Owls.

The Dutchmen won three out of the four singles matches and two of the three doubles matches.

“We got another road win against a good Bradford team,” said St. Marys Area head coach Tim Henry.

At first singles, Dutchman Luke Anderson won 6-0, 6-1 against Bradford’s Mitch Strauss.

“Anderson’s tennis was too sharp for Strauss to do much to hurt him,” Henry said.

At second singles, SMA’s Dawson Krug defeated the Owls’ Cooper Haight 6-3, 6-0.

“Krug overcame a slow start and served really well to lock up win two,” Henry said.

At third singles, Blake Hoffman gave the Dutch another win as he defeated Bradford’s Mason Close 6-3, 6-2.

“Blake was sharper serving and played the pressure points better to secure win number three,” Henry said.

At fourth singles,

Bradford’s Steven Williams defeated Dutchman Dean Rakieski 7-5, 6-4.

“Rakieski played another good opponent, giving solid effort throughout two tough sets, but could not put the match away,” Henry said.

At first doubles, Anderson and Krug teamed up for an 8-2 win over Bradford’s Strauss and Ward Kennedy, and at second doubles, Hoffman teamed up with Casey Young for the Dutch for an 8-5 win against the Owls’ Payton Haight and Owen Manion. SMA forfeited the third doubles match.

“It was good to have to pick up a win in doubles to secure the match,” Henry said. “Anderson and Krug keep playing high-level tennis and used some creative shot making to secure the matchclinching win. It was another tough battle at two doubles, but Hoffman and Young broke late, and Hoffman took it home with a good hold to take the win total to five. I’m very proud of the focus and resolve. This is a good, hard working group of athletes.”

Evan Luckenbill was also in action for St. Marys in exhibition.