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Published: Monday, Apr. 23, 2012 / Updated: Monday, Apr. 23, 2012 12:24 PM

Nation Ford surges to region tennis title

FORT MILL -- 

With an impressive and hard fought win over rival Fort Mill, the Nation Ford boys’ tennis team clinched the Region IV-AAA title.

The Falcons beat Fort Mill 6-0 and finished its region schedule with an identical record.

Nation Ford is 13-2 on the season with one week to go before the playoffs start in May.

Interim head coach Billy McKinney said the team is coming along, but still can improve on some things.

“We are on schedule,” he said. “We are still a work in progress. We aren’t where we want to be. We are there character wise and playing wise we are getting there.”

Against Fort Mill, No. 1 Danny Randar defeated Jay Karwatsky 6-1, 6-0. No. 3 Stephen Zoeller defeated Brett Cline 6-0, 6-0 and No. 4 Chase Mahrlig beat Tyler Haley 6-3, 6-0.

The No. 2 singles and number five singles were the toughest of the six matches.

At No. 2 singles, Nation Ford’s Madison Ott outlasted Andres Leon 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 10-4 to get the win in three-sets.

Also winning in three-sets for Nation Ford was David Habbick, who beat Clay Bullard at No. 5 singles, 4-6, 6-2, 11-9.

In doubles competition, Chris Tapp and Ben Herman beat Grant and Trace Jordan 6-0, 6-1.

The Falcons also beat York earlier in the week 6-0 and lost just two games in the match.

Nation Ford has matches this week against Clover, Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day.

Fort Mill has matches against Northwestern, Clover and Rock Hill to end its regular season. Playoffs begin May 3.