Sports Editor

The Net Dogs got their season underway last week as they took on Winder Barrow and Monroe Area in the opening rounds of the Madison County Invitational.

Morgan County started their season on the road as they took on Monroe. Jaclynn Smith settled into her job at the number one singles player with a 8—1 win in her first match of the season. Freshman Brooke Tata picked up a 8—3 win at the number two singles spot as Brittany DeJarnett rounded out the clean sweep in singles action with a 8—1 win. Number one doubles Colleen Shumake and Ellen Welch posted a 8—2 win in their first match of the season as Alaina Maddox and Sarah Bohannon’s win at the number two doubles spot gave the Lady Net Dogs (1—1) a 5—0 win.

The boys’ Net Dog team (2—0) also topped the Hurricanes 5—0 in their matches. Hunter James and Shane Neugebauer cruised to victories in singles play as teammate Cameron Cartee picked up his first win of the season by forfeit. Patrick Jackson and Billy McIntyre posted an 8—2 win in doubles action with Jeff Royal and Corey Woodward rounding out action with a 8—0 win.

"I think this was a great start to the season," Head Coach Davis Bell said. "All of our kids played well in their first matches of the season."

The Lady Dogs had things in hand against Winder for their home opener last Thursday but couldn’t hold on as they dropped the match 3—2. Up 4—1 in her match, Smith’s opponent stormed back to win seven straight games to hand Morgan County the loss. Tata came up short in her tough match at the number two spot, dropping her match 8—6. DeJarnett picked up Morgan County’s sole victory in singles action by an 8—2 score. Shumake and Welch struggled and lost 3—8 in their number one doubles match as Maddox and Claire Masingill picked up the Lady Dogs second win of the day by a score of 8—2.

On the boys’ side, Morgan County continued their dominance due in part to consistent and impressive play. Neugebauer blanked his opponent 8—0 in number two singles action as both James and Cartee improved to 2—0 on the season with wins. Bell was "very impressed" with Jackson and McIntyre in their 8—2 win in doubles action as Woodward and Royal found a way to win in their 8—2 win.

"The boys are hitting the ball well and I am very pleased," Bell said. "I am a little disappointed with out loss on the girls’ side. I am not disappointed with our efforts, it just seems as though we stumped our toes.

"It is a credit to Winder. We haven’t found a way to beat them in three years."

The Net Dogs continue to take on hard opponents to prepare for region play as they hosted Madison County on Tuesday. The finals for the Madison County Invitational are Saturday at 11 a.m. Morgan County will then continue preseason work as they host Eastside next Thursday.