CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

WARFIELD —  Coach Josh Penix has the Martin County High School tennis team up and swinging.

“We have three seniors returning and a lot of new faces,” Penix said.

“Not all team members are out yet; some are still playing basketball.”

The team opened the season March 9 at home against Belfry at Warfield Park with the boys winning and the girls losing.

According to Penix, Belfry had several players out sick, so the Pirates No. 1 seed played both No. 1 and No. 2 seeds for the Cardinals.

In the boys match Caleb Horn played for the Cardinals as the No. 1 seed and took on Ian Long. Games were tied 5-5 in the first set and Horn pulled out the set defeating Long 7-5.

In the second set the No. 2 seed for the Cardinals Brayden Cook took his turn at Long and won the set 6-1.

Martin County won the match 2-0 for their first win of the season.

Coach Penix bumped up his No. 3 and No. 4 seeds on the girls side to allow them a chance to play against Clara McNamee, who many say is “the best player in the region.”

Kennedy Mills faced off with McNamee in the first set, which McNamee won 6-0.

No. 2 seed for the Cardinals Tori Crum took on Jaden Mullins of Belfry and lost the second set 6-3.

In girls doubles, the Lady Cardinals Tamara Workman and Caitlyn Horn battled McNamee and Mullins losing 8-0.

The Lady Cardinals lost to Belfry 3-0.

Penix said the team would have a challenging schedule this season.

“They will play regional contender Pikeville,” said Penix. “Knott County and West Carter are always good out-of-region matches that get us ready and prepared for postseason.”