Connersville

Connersville welcomed Franklin County, Hauser, and Lapel to the second annual “A Serve To Remember” Invitational on Saturday. In the opening round, the Lady Spartans faced EIAC opponent and potential sectional foe Franklin County, while Hauser matched up with Lapel. Because of the multiple matches scheduled throughout the day, any contest requiring a deciding third set used a 10-point tiebreaker instead of a full set. After a brief delay to allow the courts to dry from the morning rain showers, Connersville came out strong against Franklin County. The match featured powerful groundstrokes and aggressive net play from both teams, with the Lady Spartans narrowly edging the Lady Wildcats 3-2 to advance to the championship round. The victory improved Connersville’s EIAC record to 5-1 and overall mark to 11-4. At No. 1 singles, Sophia Starr defeated Serena Silas 6-3, 6-0, while Bella Starr earned a 6-2, 6-0 win over Sayla Sacksteder at No. 2 singles. No. 3 singles player Amielya Mays battled before falling to Willa Bruns in a third-set tiebreaker, 5-7, 6-1, 7-10. In doubles action, the No. 1 team of Trinitee Steele and Cam Butts dropped a hard-fought match to Mady Rosenberger and Mady Wilson, 6-1, 3-6, 11-13. Connersville’s No. 2 doubles duo used strong placement and steady play to secure a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kailey Edmundson and Brooklyn Wurzelbacher. In the other opening-round contest, Hauser defeated Lapel 3-2 by winning at No. 1 singles and both doubles positions. The consolation round saw Franklin County sweep Lapel 5-0. In the championship round, Connersville faced Hauser under difficult circumstances. Due to the overlap with Ivy Tech’s graduation ceremony, six of the Spartans’ seven varsity players departed to attend commencement in recognition of their academic accomplishments. As a result, Connersville’s junior varsity lineup stepped into the championship match. Despite being outmatched by Hauser’s varsity squad, the Lady Spartans competed hard, displayed strong sportsmanship, and gained valuable experience in a 5-0 loss. Coaches praised the team’s effort and composure throughout the match. Amielya Mays nearly pulled off a win at No. 1 singles before falling to Hayden Dickey 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 8-10. Catherine Graves also pushed her opponent to the limit at No. 2 singles before losing to Isabella Price 6-1, 3-6, 9-11. Frances Kelly fell to Lylah Konradi 1-6, 0-6 at No. 3 singles. In doubles play, Tessa Kelley and Payton Dice lost to Abby Manley and June Berkenstock 2-6, 0-6 at No. 1 doubles, while Madison Smith and Ella Poe fell to Ruby McKinney and Kaycee Ridgley 0-6, 2-6 at No. 2 doubles. The Lady Spartans thanked all participating teams, fans, spectators, and food trucks Beach Blends and Grilled Delights for helping make the “A Serve To Remember” Invitational a success. The event brought together four schools and supported four organizations: the Fayette County Cancer Society, Franklin County Community Foundation, Students’ Fund of Hope, and the Indiana Donor Network. Connersville (11-5, 5-1 EIAC) returns to action Monday, May 11, hosting potential sectional opponent Union County at 5 p.m. in the team’s final home match of the regular season. The Lady Spartans travel Tuesday, May 12, for their final EIAC matchup against East Central at 5 p.m., before closing the regular season Friday, May 15, at Waldron in the first-ever meeting between the two schools.