Columbus East High School

COLUMBUS, IN — The Columbus East High School boys tennis team experienced a thrilling and action-packed Thursday at the IHSAA Tennis Sectional hosted by Columbus North High School. The Olympians split their double-header on the day, storming through the semifinal round before putting up a strong fight against their cross-town rival in the championship match. In the opening match of the evening, Columbus East delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Hauser Jets 4-1. The Olympians controlled the court from start to finish, earning decisive wins across singles and doubles play. At number one singles, Landon Reddleman dominated Grayden Kilps 6-1, 6-0. Ritvik Prithiviraj picked up a flawless win over Joey Oliver 6-0, 6-0 at number three singles. In doubles action, Trevor Ernst and Micah Wettschurack cruised past Brady Miller and Ty Wadsworth 6-2, 6-1 at number one doubles, while Carson Hartsook and Drew Lawson secured a straight-sets victory against Aiden Bense and Curtis Kilps 6-1, 7-5 at number two doubles. The lone point for Hauser came at number two singles, where Cooper Harry fell to Dane Richards 1-6, 1-6. With an all-day rain forecast looming for Friday, tournament officials made the tactical decision to play the championship match immediately following the semifinals on Thursday night. The victory over Hauser advanced the Olympians into the final round against the host school, the Columbus North Bulldogs. While Columbus East showed noticeable improvement from their regular-season meeting against the Bulldogs, Columbus North ultimately captured the sectional crown with a 4-1 victory. The highlight of the match for the Olympians came at number three singles, where freshman Ritvik Prithiviraj outlasted Vyom Desai 6-1, 7-5 to secure East's lone point. The gritty victory marked the first sectional point Columbus East has scored against Columbus North in over a decade. The remaining championship matchups concluded with Alek Devidze defeating Landon Reddleman 6-0, 6-0 at number one singles, and Andrew Huang defeating Cooper Harry 6-1, 6-0 at number two singles. In doubles play, Luca Devidze and Cale Fitzsimmons defeated Trevor Ernst and Micah Wettschurack 6-2, 6-0 at number one doubles, while Logan Morales and Max Wei defeated Carson Hartsook and Drew Lawson 6-0, 6-0 at number two doubles. The Olympians concluded their team season with tremendous poise, playing their best tennis at the most critical juncture of the year. Thank you for a great season Olympians and Coach Ulrich.