By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Brandywine's girls' tennis team put on one of its most dominating performances of the season Tuesday against Bridgman. The Bobcats won 8-0 for their fourth shut out of the season, but tied a season best by losing just five games in the match.
Brandywine also lost five games in a victory over Cass on Aug. 30. The victory kept the Bobcats undefeated on the season at 7-0.
All five of the games lost came in the singles flights, but all of Brandywine's players won their matches in straight sets.
Jenny Zellman started things off for the Bobcats with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Bridgman's Lena Thomas at No. 1 singles. Jenny Cowan followed at No. 2 singles with a victory by the same score over Erin McElwaln.
At No. 3 singles, Amy Konopinski beat Bridgman's Emily Fulkerson 6-1, 6-0.
Brandywine had a new player at No. 4 singles because of an ankle injury to regular player Amber Valentine. There was no cause for concern for the Bobcats, however, as Erin Sinkoff stepped up and took a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Jeni Hehl.
The Bobcats show particular strength in doubles, winning all four flights in straight set shutouts, 6-0, 6-0.
Bethany Daniel and Christine Dvorak beat Carlee Malivitis and Jaime Dobleski at No. 1 doubles. Lisa Konopinski and Kristin Peters won at No. 2 doubles over Ellie Lyman and Amanda Klutts.
At No. 3 doubles, Nikki Cooper and Courtnay Schlutt beat Tricia Warren and Stephanie Kaltz. Ashley Valentine and Jamie Bartuska finished things off for Brandywine at No. 4 doubles with a victory over Sara Hinnriens and Emily Kamp.
Valentine was on crutches because of her injured ankle for a week following the injury. Tuesday was her first day without the crutches. She said she still felt some pain in the ankle, but was able to walk.
Bobcats' coach Joe Marazita said Valentine was doubtful for this weekend's Brandywine Invitational. Valentine, however, said she had hopes of playing in Thursday's match at Coloma if her ankle was ready.