Fillmore tennis builds off big Monday home win over Wellsville with another 4-1 triumph over Avoca/Prattsburgh behind singles sweep at Houghton U

HOUGHTON — The Eagles of Fillmore began the first of a back-to-back gauntlet inside the Kerr-Pegula Athletics Complex just 24 hours ago with a visit from Wellsville. After a strong finish to close out the night, they would look to do it all over again with another tough foe in Avoca/Prattsburgh in town for their chance to knock at the door.

But for the Eagles, Eben Schilke, Isaiah Sisson and Marcus Wolfer were all up for the challenge that was presented before them, as they brought out the brooms in all three singles matches to record the match win, adding one more triumphant performance from the doubles department to secure another 4-1 win, this time over the visiting Titans on the grounds of Houghton University.

“I am really proud of the guys. Much like Wellsville last night, Avoca/Prattsburgh is always tough and they’re a well-coached opponent. After a good match yesterday, I challenged the guys to get off to a great start tonight, and for the most part, we did,” said Eagles coach Randy Crouch. “I think we ran out of gas a little bit, but I’m proud of them for grinding out the win. They are definitely a team we could see deep in team Sectionals. We get a little rest tomorrow and then we’re back in for two more to end the week.”

Fillmore was pushed to their limits across the match by Avoca/Prattsburgh, especially in two of their three singles matches, with both Eben Schilke and Marcus Wolfer having to fight their way through second set tiebreaks to collect their victory, with Schilke claiming a 7-3 win in the seven-point tiebreaker to earn the set sweep by a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) count over Elias Putnam.

Wolfer was the first to reach seven himself at third singles, squeezing his way by Landon White with a 6-1, 7-5 win. Putting a bow on the singles wins was a dominant performance from Isaiah Sisson at second singles, rolling towards a 6-1, 6-0 win over Connor Stewart.

The first doubles team of Jack Boon and Joe Derck would ultimately help lay claim to the match victory for the Eagles with one final second-set tiebreak victory after being pushed the distance by Jackson Oliver and Bryce Schuck, as they edged their towards a 6-0, 7-5 win.

Avoca/Prattsburgh garnered their lone win from their second doubles team of Tyler Nichols and Gavin Mills, as they knocked off Fillmore’s Ezra Knapp and Henry Decker after a lengthy three-set bout that witnessed a first-set tiebreak that turned into a third-set marathon in the endgame, pinching their way towards victory in a 6-7 (0-7), 6-0, 10-7 decision.

On Thursday, Fillmore returns to the KPAC for a 5 p.m. first serve against Houghton Academy.

Singles

1. Eben Schilke (FIL) def. Elias Putnam (A/P), 6-2, 7-6 (7-3).

2. Isaiah Sisson (FIL) def. Connor Stewart (A/P), 6-1, 6-0.

3. Marcus Wolfer (FIL) def. Landon White (A/P), 6-1, 7-5.

Doubles

1. Jack Boon/Joe Derck (FIL) def. Jackson Oliver/Bryce Schuck (A/P), 6-0, 7-5.

2. Tyler Nichols/Gavin Mills (A/P) def. Ezra Knapp/Henry Decker (FIL), 6-7 (0-7), 6-0, 10-7.