Newton boys open tennis season with loss to Boone

BOONE — Last year, the Newton boys tennis team won just six games against Boone.

One year later, the Cardinals still lost 11-0 but the matches were much more competitive.

“There were several matches where a point or two gives us a few more sets,” Newton head boys tennis coach Jared Gerber said. “It’s awesome to see the guys’ hard work in the offseason paying off already.”

Ezra Bartell and Andrew Wiles were the only singles players who took a game last season. And the Cardinals won four games in doubles play.

Newton’s set win on Thursday came from Stone Lillard and Brady Swihart at No. 5 doubles. The Cardinal duo opened with a 6-3 win before losing 6-1 and 10-7.

Ethan Valtman and Evan Marshall each lost their opening set 7-5 at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively. Harry Oswalt lost his No. 3 singles match 6-4, 6-3.

Marshall’s second set was a 6-3 loss and Andrew Wiles lost a set 6-4 at No. 4 singles.

Valtman and Marshall lost their opening set 6-3 at No. 1 doubles and Seth Adams and Ethan Freese lost their second set 6-3 at No. 3 doubles.

“There are still lots of things to work on as we improve and get better as the season continues,” Gerber said.