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Improved Beloit nips Craig tennis team

BELOIT — Beloit Memorial High School's boys tennis team continued its improvement by defeating visiting Janesville Craig, 4-3, on Thursday to go to 4-3 in the Big Eight.

The Cougars (2-5) kept it close with victories by Chris Matteson and Josh Pickering at No. 1 and No. 4 singles, repectively, and doubles victories from David Jacowski and Bryan Stevens.

“David and Bryan are always steady,” Craig coach Gary Hallowell said.

The the final result depended on the outcome of the No. 2 singles match between Beloit’s T.J. Kodras and Steve Mickelson. Kodras won the three-set match, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, giving the Purple Knights their one-point edge.

“I have to tip my hat to Steve Mickelson,” Hallowell said. “He was in a tough spot. After the second set ended, he had many, many opportunities to fold and kept working hard.

“It almost went to 4-1, but he battled back and tied it at 3-3 and then at 5-5. Then, T.J. broke serve and held.”

Hallowell also praised the play of Pickering, who came in and won at No. 4 singles.

“I thought we were going to get them in doubles, but they turned the tables on us,” Hallowell said.

Craig concludes the Big Eight regular season Monday at home against Madison West.

BELOIT 4, CRAIG 3

Singles—Chris Matteson (JC) def. Mike Weiss, 6-0, 6-1; T.J. Kodras (BM) def. Steve Mickelson, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5; Jake Boutelle (BM) def. Ben Tanko, 6-2, 6-1; Josh Pickering (JC) def. Robbie Goodwin, 6-3, 6-2.

Doubles—Troy Fiorucci-James Fiorucci (BM) def. Doug Johnson-Ben Timblin, 6-4, 6-1; David Jacowski-Bryan Stevens (JC) def. Kyle Berner-Dan Segal, 6-2, 6-3; Nike Steinke-Jonny Hart (BM) def. Stewart Winter-Ike Neher, 6-3, 6-1.

Junior varsity—Beloit 6, Craig 1.