From Coach Bob Long:
     Tuesday, May 13 the Chillicothe Hornet Boys' tennis team traveled to Cameron to play Savannah in the first round of district team competition. The Hornets were defeated by the Savages 2-5. Numbers one through three took the courts first. Gabe Poling beat Craig Helm 6-0, 6-0 making Gabe 17-0 on the season. Nate McKiddy was unable to get the victory against Baxter Krumme, losing 2-6, 1-6. Nate had defeated Baxter in a tie-breaker a week ago, but Krumme was able to win the majority of the close games this time. Garrett Peterson beat twin brother Briley Krumme for the second time, 6-1, 6-1. Nathan Sims lost a hard fought match, 2-6, 3-6 to Chase Furgison. Brandon Lamp was on the short end of a back and forth battle with Zane Beattie, 4-6, 6-0, 5-7. Lane Bonderer lost 0-6, 2-6 to Sandy
Kennyn. Having won only two of the six singles, the Hornets need to sweep the doubles play. Gabe Poling and Nathan Sims began the first set 2-5 against Helm and Furgison, before forcing a tie-breaker. The hornet duo lost the tie-breaker (5-7) and eventually lost the deciding match 6-7 (5-7), 4-6. Savannah plays Maryville for the district title Wednesday.
     The young Hornet team gained valuable experience. Nate McKiddy lost several deuce games in the no-ad format. Brandon Lamp lost his long battle in singles at about the same time Poling and Sims lost their tie-breaker, making it tough to regain momentum. McKiddy and Peterson had won their first set before the match had been decided. The Hornets will compete at Cameron on Thursday for individual district competition.