By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Buchanan's varsity tennis team came to Niles Wednesday afternoon with one thing in mind – to win a tennis match.
The Bucks were able to accomplish that with a 5-3 win over the Lady Vikes.
Niles' Annalee Nelson took a 6-2, 6-2 win at No.1 singles against Nicole Moyer.
Vikings coach Jill Webber said Nelson is going to do "exceptionally well" for Niles this season.
At No. 2 singles, Nicole Negron of Niles took a 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 win over Kayla Nelson.
Andrea Clabaugh of Buchanan took a 6-3, 6-4 win over Megan Vylonis at No. 3 singles and at No. 4 singles, the Vikes' Nicole Weber took a 6-1, 6-1 win over Sam Haner.
At No. 1 doubles, Buchanan's Robyn Bahr and Katrina Weldy took a 7-5, 6-2 win over Danielle Lowery and Sam Beck.
The Bucks' Heather Croteau and Patty Anton grabbed a 6-2, 6-0 win over Holly Lucas and Courtney Miller at No. 2 doubles.
Kyra Carpenter and Ashley Jenks took a 6-4, 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles against Niles' Mary Martin and Brianne Weldy and Buchanan's Meagan Horn and Jewel Sirmonds took a 4-6, 6-2, 67-4 win at No. 4 doubles over Jessica Welsh and Joey Dreitzler.
Niles returns seven lettermen from last year's team and has three freshmen who should do some good things for the Vikings.
The three freshman include Anton, Horn and Sara Stenstron.
Returning letterman include Nelson, Negron, Clabaugh, Lowery and Croteau.
Last year Niles had an overall record of 2-7-2, which it hopes to improve this year.
Looking at the Big 16 West Division, Webber feels that St. Joseph and Lakeshore are always threats.
Niles will host its own invitational this Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
Dowagiac, Edwardsburg and Vicksburg will all compete in the tourney.
Last year, Edwardsburg took the win, with Dowagiac coming in second place and Niles placing third.
Buchanan will travel to Brandywine on Monday for a Lakeland Conference match set to being at 4 p.m.