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Tallulah Falls’ Jake Hall and the Indians will go into the playoffs next week undefeated. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special
A cleverly-scheduled match against non-region foes Mt. Vernon proved a great measuring stick to see just where the Indians are at this time of the year. The undefeated and top-ranked Indians came away with a solid 4-1 win at home on Thursday.
“Great game against a ranked opponent,” Indians coach Jeremy Stille said. “Very tough and well-played game by both teams. Very proud of the guys and how hard they worked to get a win in a challenging contest to prepare for state.”
Austin Ball secured yet another hat trick with 3 goals, and Luis Varano Pastor added the other. Landon Hall and Koen Eller had assists. Keeper Kelton Reynolds played excellent between the posts, making several stops including a PK in which he read the shooter and made a great save.
The Indians are now 14-0 on the season and will await their first round state playoff matchup. The win marked the second this season against a ranked opponent. The team’s 14th win is now a new program record, and the goal differential sits at 102-3 for the entirety of the season. Ball’s hat trick was his 9th this season, and he now has a school-record 50 career goals.
Tennis teams rolling
Tallulah Falls’ tennis teams honored their seniors on Thursday evening, and promptly beat visiting Prince Avenue Christian to continue their unbeaten streak. The Lady Indians won 5-0 and the Indians 4-1 in a dominating effort.
“It was a beautiful day to celebrate our seniors and their contributions and accomplishments,” Indians coach Anthony Cox said. “We are also really proud of this season’s entire boys and girls squads on a tremendous regular season. We look forward to getting some practice in over spring break to prepare for the region tournament.”
The tennis teams are both now 12-0 overall heading into the region tournament as the first seeds from 8-A DI. In the win for Ariel Kelsick, the junior set a new single-season wins record with her 12th. Cassidy Hayes earned her 25th career win, tying her for second all-time in school history of combined doubles/singles wins.
Seniors honored include: Lucia Fano, Cassidy Hayes, Vy Vo, Sarah Zhang, and Milicia Durovic.
Girls
No. 1 Singles: Ariel Kelsick (12-0) W 6-2, 6-2;
No. 2 Singles: Jaeda-Lee Daniel-Joseph (11-0) W 6-0, 6-0;
No. 3 Singles: Ava Carnes (6-1) W 7-6, 2-6 (10-4);
No. 1 Doubles: Katarina Foskey & Azaria Junaid (6-0) W 6-0, 6-0;
No. 2 Doubles: Cassidy Hayes & Landry Carnes (5-2) W 6-1, 6-1.
Boys
No. 1 Singles: Tanner Davis (12-0) W 6-1, 6-0;
No. 2 Singles: TJ Cox (12-0) W 6-0, 6-0;
No. 3 Singles: William Xu DNP (Forfeit win);
No. 1 Doubles: Zach Carringer & Jake Owensby (7-0) W 6-1, 6-1;
No. 2 Doubles: Justin Graham & Aiden VanOrman (4-2) L 3-6, 6-7 (4-7).
– Brian Carter