Covenant boys net win over DCA

David Netherton had a great afternoon on the court while leading the Lions to a win over DCA.

It didn’t take long for Covenant to develop a winning attitude on the tennis court. Just three years after establishing a program – and despite having last year wiped out by COVID – the Lions are making a racket on the court.

Covenant’s boys were victorious again Friday, defeating Dickson Christian Academy 5-1. The Lions are now 4-1 this season, led by an impressive senior class which was honored before the match.

Senior David Netherton is the team’s top player and he showed why against DCA. Netherton ripped ferocious serves, swarmed the net at every opportunity and had his opponent sprinting from side-to-side. Netherton cruised to an 8-1 win, further cementing him as one of the top singles players in the area.

He’s not too shabby at doubles either, particularly when paired with senior Jackson Sauer. The longtime teammates were able to find their rhythm against DCA, winning 8-3.

Senior Daniel Nuthalapaty was also a two-time winner Friday, taking down his opponent in singles 9-4 and pairing with Caleb Lewis to win a doubles match 8-5. Lewis had the Lions’ final victory, winning in singles 8-4.

For the year, Covenant’s lone loss came against Cannon County Tuesday. They bounced back to beat Madison Academy 3-1 Thursday before taking down DCA with ease on senior night. The Lions have also beaten Dayspring last month, along with winning 5-2 in their first matchup with Cannon County March 30.

Friday’s match didn’t go as well for the Lady Lions. The Covenant girls fell 6-0 to DCA, dropping the squad to 2-3 this season.

The Lady Lions wouldn’t go quietly. Senior Brandy Pennington fought hard before dropping her No. 1 singles match 8-5, while sophomore Lydia Netherton was edged 8-6 in No. 2 singles. Seniors Olivia Ward and Sarah Sharpe also went down in singles, falling 8-1 and 8-5, respectively.

Lydia Netherton was very competitive in her singles match Friday.

In doubles, DCA won both sets 8-3. Pennington and Netherton were paired in No. 1 doubles, while Ward and Sharpe were teammates in No. 2 doubles.

Friday’s loss came on the heels of the Lady Lions defeating Madison Academy Tuesday. The Covenant girls also beat Dayspring Academy back in March, though the Lady Lions fell twice to Cannon County as well.

Covenant will get to take its swing at Warren County High School Tuesday, April 20. The match is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on WCS-TV.