Eastern Wayne trips up Hunt in battle of top-10 teams

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 19, 2013 1:47 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

WILSON -- Patience and consistent play paid off once again for unbeaten and state-ranked Eastern Wayne on Wednesday afternoon.

The Warriors remained perfect in 11 outings this season with a 6-3 conquest of No. 7-ranked Wilson Hunt. It was Eastern Wayne's second triumph over a state-ranked opponent this season.

"A great duel between two quality teams," EW head coach Craig Hassell said. "Hunt, Rocky Mount and (C.B.) Aycock represent some of the best 3-A teams in the east and Hunt is pretty solid from top to bottom."

Eastern Wayne proved its solid from top to bottom, too.

The No. 3 tandem of Debbie Mitchell-Brennan Dove sealed the outcome with an 8-3 triumph over Hunt's Emily Batchelor-Megan Parker. Mitchell avenged a loss to Batchelor in singles play. Dove handed Parker 6-3, 6-1 defeat at No. 6 singles.

Fourth-seeded Cameron Dove displayed her normal "backboard mentality" and flustered Hunt's Emma Lantz during a 6-1, 6-0 win.

"Cameron runs down nearly every ball and frustrates opponents with her tenacity while Brennan continues to be a huge part of our success down low, and is only a freshman getting more experience with every match.

"She is so cool, calm and collected in pressure matches -- something unusual for a freshman in such a big match."

Senior Savannah Sutton helped Eastern Wayne claim a 3-3 tie in singles with a come-from-behind 6-4, 6-3 win over Kelsey Lineberger. Down 3-0 in the second set, Sutton changed her strategy and capitalized on Lineberger's unforced errors.

Eastern Wayne displayed its strength in doubles.

The Sutton cousins -- Faith and Savannah -- rolled over Taylor Love-Lineberger 8-1. Love upended Faith Sutton 6-0, 6-1 during their match at No. 1 singles.

The second-seeded sister combo of McKenna and Cameron Dove squeezed out an 8-6 decision over Hunt's Staisha Cain-Lantz.

"McKenna and Cameron fought hard to hold off Hunt to help complete the win," Hassell said. "This team has such good chemistry and senior experience. They continue to surprise me with their endless potential and heart."

Eastern Wayne visits J.H. Rose next Tuesday.