BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — Martin County’s tennis teams faced a tough test Tuesday at Warfield Park, with both the Cardinals and Lady Cardinals falling to Pikeville in early-season action.

The Lady Cardinals dropped a 4-1 decision, slipping to 1-5 on the season despite picking up a strong doubles win. Chloe May and Haruka Kaibori delivered Martin County’s lone victory of the match, teaming up for an 8-5 win in No. 1 doubles.

In singles play, Adalynn Maynard fell 0-6 in the top spot. Raegan Hale battled but came up short 3-6 at No. 2. Kadence Blackburn rounded out singles competition with a 0-6 loss.

Martin County nearly added another point in doubles, but the No. 2 team of Addison Kerr and Bella Marcum dropped a close 6-4 decision.

On the boys side, the Cardinals suffered their first loss of the season, falling 5-0 to Pikeville to move to 5-1 overall.

Caden Mann fell 1-6 at No. 1 singles. Corey Endicott (4-6) and Cole Damron (5-7) each turned in competitive efforts in the middle of the lineup. Braiden Chapman rounded out singles play with a 0-6 loss.

In doubles, Bryson Dials and Chase Hinkle dropped an 8-3 decision in the No. 1 match. Shawn Marcum and Jerrod Haney fell 6-2 in the second flight.

Martin County will return to action after spring break April 6 at Lawrence County.