THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville boys and girls tennis teams had winning starts to their 2022 season on Tuesday. And it came at the expense of their cross-county rival Thomas County Central.

Thomasville’s boys won 3-2 over the Yellow Jackets, while the Lady Bulldogs also emerged 3-2 winners.

The Thomasville boys’ win was highlighted by a thrilling match in No. 1 doubles. Simon Harper and Jo Lindquist defeated Central’s Joshua Williamson and Caleb Kinneer 5-7, 6-0, 10-8.

Thomasville’s Colin Szwarc won 6-1, 6-2 over Central’s Keaton Stephens in No. 1 singles. The Bulldogs’ Smith Forsyth won 6-1, 6-1 over Central’s Cable Willis in No. 2 singles. 

Central’s Jaylen Duncan won 6-4, 6-4 over Thomasville’s Sam Carter in No. 3 singles. Central’s team of Braxton White and Caden Waters defeated Thomasville’s Timmy Cordista and Oxzavier Rivers 6-1, 6-4 in No. 2 doubles.

Thomasville’s girls were led by all three singles players, including Jocelyn Watson at No. 1. She defeated Charlize Scudder 6-1, 6-0. Katie Zolt, Thomasville’s No. 2 singles player, defeated Claire Pope 7-6 (7-2), 6-4. Sophie Wright, at No. 3 singles for Thomasville, defeated Emmarae Smith 6-0, 6-1.

Central’s No. 1 doubles team of Allie Bellamy and Heali Patel defeated Faith Fitzgerald and Kensley Rodd 6-2, 6-4. Central’s No. 2 doubles team of Loxley Slocumb and Jacey Keyton defeated Abby Gerleman and Kelly Miano 6-1, 6-1.

“Overall, we had a great first match of the season. I saw a lot of good things on the court today,”  Thomasville coach Kelli Grave de Peralta said. “Our No. 3 singles for girls, Sophie Wright, had a great match. She controlled almost every point. Sophie has played doubles the last two years, so it’s exciting not only to watch her transition into a singles player but now to have her first win at her No. 3 singles position.

“Our No. 1 boys doubles team of Joseph Lindquist (senior) and Simon Harper (junior) also had a good match but a tough one. Both are new to this position this year. They fought hard and hustled to win in a third set tiebreak. That was the win to clinch our overall boys victory.”

Thomasville will play again next Tuesday at Colquitt County.