Michael Crossman
GREENWOOD — Second-ranked Columbus North received a big test in Friday’s state quarterfinals, but were able to prevail with a 3-2 win against No. 15 Floyd Central.
The Bull Dogs (23-1) will play No. 13 Jasper in the state semifinals at 10 a.m. today at North Central. The winner will meet No. 1 Carmel or No. 6 Culver Academies in the 2 p.m. final.
“We’re pretty excited,” North coach Kendal Hammel said. “It’s been quite a few years since we’ve got to the final four teams.”
Yoki Murabayashi
Michael Crossman and Yoki Murabayashi got the Bull Dogs off to a fast start Friday, beating Luke Allen and Brady Bilsland 6-2, 6-0 at No. 2 doubles. Hank Lin topped Ben Lammert 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. Amrit Kar and Anvay Atram rallied from a 5-0 first-set deficit to pull out a 7-5, 6-2 win against Alex Eichenberger and Joseph Howell 7-5, 6-2 at No. 1 doubles.
North’s Parth Shah fell to Riley Doddridge 6-4, 6-2 at No. 2 singles, and Austin Clark lost to Preston Bickel 6-2, 6-4 at No. 3 singles.
“Obviously, we were looking to do better than a 3-2 victory, but a win is a win and we’re going to take it,” Hammel said. “1 doubles was a little bit of a scare. 2 doubles came out right off the bat. Hank played solid. Parth was up in the first set, and Austin was in a battle.”
If rain persists Saturday morning, the semifinal and final matches will be moved indoors to DePauw University in Greencastle. A decision will be made by 9 a.m.
The Bull Dogs won three out of four head-to-head matches against Jasper when the teams competed in the Jeffersonville Tournament early in the season. Carmel handed North its only loss of the season, a 4-1 decision.
“We did what we were hoping to do, and we’re looking forward to playing (Saturday) against Jasper,” Hammel said. “Jasper is a good team. It’s going to be who can step up and be ready to play.”
