Wildcats bounce back with 4-1 win over Astros

Blanchester tennis team defeats East Clinton in SBAAC National Division play

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:33pm

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The Blanchester tennis team defeated East Clinton 4-1 Tuesday in SBAAC National Division play. The Wildcats bounced back after playing Bethel-Tate the previous day, with wins in singles, doubles, and several players earning their first varsity victories.

Why it matters

This win helps the Blanchester tennis team recover from an earlier loss and build momentum in their conference play. The team's ability to bounce back and earn decisive victories, even with some players earning their first varsity wins, demonstrates the program's depth and resilience.

The details

In singles play, Randy Eckman of Blanchester won at first singles when East Clinton's Gabe Stewart was forced to retire due to an ankle injury. Blanchester's Hayden Phillips won at second singles, while East Clinton's Nathan Chaney won at third singles. In doubles, Blanchester's Colby Huston and Frankie McIntosh won at first doubles, and Lily Roy and Chris Velez Grisales won at second doubles.

  • The match took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Blanchester had played Bethel-Tate the previous day, Monday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Blanchester

The Blanchester high school tennis team.

East Clinton

The East Clinton high school tennis team, who Blanchester competed against in this match.

Randy Eckman

A player on the Blanchester tennis team who won at first singles.

Gabe Stewart

A player on the East Clinton tennis team who was forced to retire from his first singles match due to an ankle injury.

Hayden Phillips

A player on the Blanchester tennis team who won at second singles.

Nathan Chaney

A player on the East Clinton tennis team who won at third singles.

Colby Huston

A player on the Blanchester tennis team who, along with Frankie McIntosh, won at first doubles.

Frankie McIntosh

A player on the Blanchester tennis team who, along with Colby Huston, won at first doubles.

Lily Roy

A player on the Blanchester tennis team who, along with Chris Velez Grisales, won at second doubles.

Chris Velez Grisales

A player on the Blanchester tennis team who, along with Lily Roy, won at second doubles.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great bounce-back effort after playing Bethel(-Tate on Monday).”

— Matt Sexton, Blanchester coach

“Bummed for Gabe that he twisted his ankle pretty bad. Never want to see a match decided that way. Still pleased Randy was able to grind out a lead when the match stopped.”

— Matt Sexton, Blanchester coach

“Both doubles teams played very well in windy conditions. It was a great boost for the group and happy especially for those who got their first varsity wins.”

— Matt Sexton, Blanchester coach

The takeaway

This victory demonstrates the Blanchester tennis team's resilience and depth, as they were able to bounce back from an earlier loss and earn decisive wins, including several players earning their first varsity victories. The team's ability to perform well in challenging conditions, like the windy weather, also highlights their adaptability and teamwork.