Columbus East High School

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus East boys tennis team opened the Hoosier Hills Conference (HHC) tournament in dominant fashion Monday evening, putting together a commanding 4-1 victory over the visiting Jennings County Panthers at the Olympian Tennis Complex. The Olympians controlled the action from the start, sweeping both doubles positions in straight sets and securing decisive wins at No. 2 and No. 3 singles to stamp their ticket to the second round. Columbus East set the tone early in doubles play. The senior duo of Trevor Ernst and Micah Wettschurack turned in a flawless performance at No. 1 doubles, rolling to a 6-0, 6-0 shutout against Alex Belding and Charlie Treadway. At No. 2 doubles, junior Carson Hartsook and freshman Drew Lawson delivered a sharp 6-3, 6-4 victory over Xander Seldon and Lachlan Stidham to keep the momentum squarely with the hosts. In singles play, sophomore Kai Bergman was in total control at the No. 2 spot, cruising past Asher Morin 6-1, 6-1. Freshman Ritvik Prithiviraj provided the punch at No. 3 singles, showing great poise to seal a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Colten Short. Jennings County earned its sole point at No. 1 singles, where Luke Napier topped East sophomore Landon Reddleman 6-0, 6-1. Match Results Singles: No. 1 Singles: Luke Napier (JC) def. Landon Reddleman (CE) 6-0, 6-1 No. 2 Singles: Kai Bergman (CE) def. Asher Morin (JC) 6-1, 6-1 No. 3 Singles: Ritvik Prithiviraj (CE) def. Colten Short (JC) 6-4, 6-3 Doubles: No. 1 Doubles: Trevor Ernst / Micah Wettschurack (CE) def. Alex Belding / Charlie Treadway (JC) 6-0, 6-0 No. 2 Doubles: Carson Hartsook / Drew Lawson (CE) def. Xander Seldon / Lachlan Stidham (JC) 6-3, 6-4 What's Next: With the opening-round win in the books, Columbus East advances to the HHC second round on Wednesday, September 23 at 5:30 p.m. The Olympians' opponent and location will be determined following the completion of Monday's remaining conference matches.