Miners drop season opener

Kyle Cooper and Luke Knight combined for a win at doubles, accounting for the only Linton-Stockton point in a 4-1 season-opening loss to host Barr-Reeve Tuesday.

Cooper and Knight defeated Brandon Graber and Jonathon Gingerich 0-6, 7-5, 6-2 at No. 2 doubles.

"Their first set was ugly," Linton-Stockton boys tennis coach Brad McKinney said of Cooper and Knight. "They righted the ship in the second set and cruised in the third set, winning five of the first six games.

"We expected our doubles to be strong. I was proud of the way they picked it up."

Kris Shipman lost at No. 1 singles while freshmen Taylor Sloan and Ben Brown dropped matches at No. 2 and No. 3 singles.

The Miner No. 1 doubles team of Chase Rhoten and Merrick McBride also fell in straight sets.

"We knew that it would be challenging without Seth Herndon (not enough practices) tonight," said McKinney. "You can't have a player out of the top of the line-up without having an adverse affect. Taylor and Ben went out and put forth a game effort for their first varsity match against juniors.

"Kris just did not play fundamental tennis. He was not happy with the way he played. We just had too many unforced errors at No. 2 doubles."

The Miners will compete Saturday at the eight-team Washington Invitational.

Barr-Reeve 4, Linton 1

Singles: Hogan Helms (BR) d. Kris Shipman 6-2, 6-0; Willie Helms (BR) d. Taylor Sloan 6-1, 6-1; Christian Duncheon (BR) d. Ben Brown 6-0, 6-0.

Doubles: Kendal Murphy/Luke Harmon (BR) d. Chase Rhoten/Merrick McBride 6-3, 6-3; Kyle Cooper/Luke Knight (L) d. Brandon Graber/Jonathon Gingerich 0-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Junior Varsity

Barr-Reeve 1, Linton 0

Singles: Nick Hawkins (BR) d. Garrett Hollingsworth 8-0.