By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Brandywine tennis team was as close to home as it has been all season, but still played the role of visitor in a non-conference match at Niles Wednesday afternoon.
The Bobcats, which are now 3-2 on the year, beat the host Vikings 6-2 and will play their first home match of the season Monday against Bridgman in Lakeland Conference action.
Brandywine was without one of its starting No. 2 doubles players, Lisa Konopinski, who suffered an injury.
The Bobcats won three of four singles matches and three of four doubles matches. At No. 1 singles, Brandywine's Jenny Zellman beat Beth Eisenhart 6-1, 6-4.
Annalee Nelson picked up a singles victory for Niles at No. 2 with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Amanda Hancock.
Brandywine's Jenny Cowen beat Mallory Zeigert 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3 singles. Amy Konopinski beat Niles' Christine Hadley 6-2, 7-5 at No. 4 singles.
The Brandywine No. 1 doubles team of Christine Dvorak and Bethany Daniel beat Heather Dudka and Nicole Negron 6-2, 6-3.
Sam Beck and Danielle Lowery earned a doubles victory for Niles at No. 2 with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Kristin Peters and Melissa Buzzard.
The Brandywine No. 3 doubles team of Amber Valentine and Ashley Valentine beat Jena Williams and Andrea Clabaugh 1-6, 7-5, 6-4. Finally, the Brandywine No. 4 doubles team of Nikki Cooper and Courtney Schlutt beat Katie Blaske and Nicole Weber 6-2, 6-1.
Niles hosts Dowagiac Monday at 4:30 p.m. for a Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference West Division dual match.
Brandywine….6
Niles……………2
Singles: 1. Jenny Zellman (B) beat Beth Eisenhart 6-1, 6-4; 2. Annalee Nelson (N) beat Amanda Hancock 6-3, 6-1; 3. Jenny Cowen (B) beat Mallory Zeigert 5-7, 6-3, 6-3; 4. Amy Konopinski (B) beat Christine Hadley 6-2, 7-5
Doubles: 1. Christine Dvorak/Bethany Daniel (B) beat Heather Dudka/Nicole Negron 6-2, 6-3; 2. Sam Beck/Danielle Lowery (N) beat Kristin Peters/Melissa Buzzard 6-2, 6-4; 3. Amber Valentine/Ashley Valentine (B) beat Jena Williams/Andrea Clabaugh 1-6, 7-5, 6-0; 4. Nikki Cooper/Courtney Schlutt (B) beat Katie Blaske/Nicole Weber 6-2, 6-1